Giving Thanks in the Valley

One of the hardest times to give thanks is in the valley. It’s in those seasons when life falls apart, when loss is real, when grief hangs heavy. Those are the moments when I don’t feel like lifting my hands or opening my mouth in thanksgiving. But those are also the moments when thanksgiving becomes the most powerful offering we can bring.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

Notice that it doesn’t say every circumstance is God’s will for us. It says that in whatever circumstances we find ourselvesHis will is for us to give thanks. 

That means thanksgiving isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about declaring: God is still good, even here.

Continue reading “Giving Thanks in the Valley”

A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is approaching, but—if you’re like me—you may be struggling to feel thankful this year. Maybe this is your first holiday with an empty chair at the table, or maybe you’ve recently received some devastating news. Maybe you dread the idea of gathering with family, or maybe you are aching because there’s no family to gather with.

Continue reading “A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving”