Thankful in All Circumstances
Hello church family. Thanksgiving is upon us – my favorite holiday. It’s a fun time but definitely a very busy time. In fact, you are most likely beginning to prep your Thanksgiving meal, prepping a side to take to a Thanksgiving meal, or you’re frantically fighting the crowds at the grocery store to pick up those last-minute items (which also means you’re not reading this blog post, however, I will continue for those who are).
For some, there will be burnt pies, dry turkeys, ruined sides, and a few garages that catch on fire because someone didn’t do their research before deep frying the turkey (let’s hope that doesn’t happen). For some, there will be family tension, complete chaos, melt-downs, and messy houses. There will be laughter, singing, prayers, smiles, joy, love, hugs, and kisses. Others will sit alone in their kitchen or living room eating a simple meal as they always do, drowning out their loneliness with the television.
I don’t know what your Thanksgiving will look like. Each home will have a very unique dynamic. I sympathize with all of you who will be facing family tension, disappointments, or loneliness. I am so excited for those of you who are able to celebrate among the joyful chaos of family and friends.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul tells us to, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” Notice, he does not say for all circumstances but rather in all circumstances. This is a very notable difference. We’re not told to be thankful for the dreadful things, but we can have a posture that turns our hearts to God in thanksgiving in the midst of that dreadfulness. If you burn the pie, thank God for all the other food you have. If the turkey is dry, thank God you have water to wash it down. If you have family tension, thank the Lord that you have the family of God with whom you can share his peace. If you burn your house down while trying to deep fry your turkey, thank God you have insurance and that OCC has a benevolence fund. If you’re alone, know that my heart goes out to you and I understand finding a reason to be thankful can be very difficult, but I pray you can thank God that he is ever-present in your loneliness (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5).
My prayer for you this Thanksgiving is that you will not focus on everything that is wrong but rather focus on the Father who provides so much good and give thanks to him for all his wonderous deeds.
With much love,
Bryan
For some, there will be burnt pies, dry turkeys, ruined sides, and a few garages that catch on fire because someone didn’t do their research before deep frying the turkey (let’s hope that doesn’t happen). For some, there will be family tension, complete chaos, melt-downs, and messy houses. There will be laughter, singing, prayers, smiles, joy, love, hugs, and kisses. Others will sit alone in their kitchen or living room eating a simple meal as they always do, drowning out their loneliness with the television.
I don’t know what your Thanksgiving will look like. Each home will have a very unique dynamic. I sympathize with all of you who will be facing family tension, disappointments, or loneliness. I am so excited for those of you who are able to celebrate among the joyful chaos of family and friends.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul tells us to, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” Notice, he does not say for all circumstances but rather in all circumstances. This is a very notable difference. We’re not told to be thankful for the dreadful things, but we can have a posture that turns our hearts to God in thanksgiving in the midst of that dreadfulness. If you burn the pie, thank God for all the other food you have. If the turkey is dry, thank God you have water to wash it down. If you have family tension, thank the Lord that you have the family of God with whom you can share his peace. If you burn your house down while trying to deep fry your turkey, thank God you have insurance and that OCC has a benevolence fund. If you’re alone, know that my heart goes out to you and I understand finding a reason to be thankful can be very difficult, but I pray you can thank God that he is ever-present in your loneliness (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5).
My prayer for you this Thanksgiving is that you will not focus on everything that is wrong but rather focus on the Father who provides so much good and give thanks to him for all his wonderous deeds.
With much love,
Bryan
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