| “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Today is a day of gratitude! Life can often seem burdensome, frustrating, and exhausting. The day-to-day grind of life – kids, school, parenting, marriage, work, money – all of it presses on us. Days like today help us step back, pause, reflect, and take a deep breath. It’s good for us to get a change of perspective. We can practice being thankful in every season and circumstance. Maybe things aren’t great in your body, but there is still life to be lived! Maybe things aren’t the greatest in your marriage, but there is still an opportunity for forgiveness to come, and your best days together might just be around the corner! Maybe the money is tight, the job is hard, or the kid isn’t doing what you expected… well, there’s still a God in heaven who knows all of your pain and circumstances, and is present in your every need. And He loves you. It’s amazing how much we allow our circumstances to have power over our attitude. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul says it’s “the will of God in Christ Jesus” for us to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances.” Paul knows the transformation that knowing Christ brings to our circumstance. Our attitudes must be shaped in light of God’s goodness and presence with us in Christ, rather than the circumstances that surround us. When we shift our focus from what we lack to what we have in Christ, we can’t help but live in a posture of worship. And in this posture, we continually live in gratitude and thanksgiving to God. So today, as you prepare to feast with family and friends, rejoice and give thanks to God for all of his good blessings, the ones we have today and the ones promised to us in the future. It’s the hope we have in King Jesus that keeps our eyes aimed at eternity, no matter what life may bring. And what better time to remind ourselves of this than Advent. The Advent season at Christ Community begins Sunday. You can find all the info for what’s happening this season in our church at christcommunity.com/advent. I’m so thankful for you, my church family, and that we get to be on mission together. I’m so thankful to be your Pastor. Happy Thanksgiving! Pastor Ronnie |