Thanking Through It: Embracing Thanksgiving in All Circumstances
As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s natural to focus on the things we’re grateful for—our family, friends, homes, and the everyday blessings that bring us joy. But what about the times when life is less than perfect? When challenges arise, and we’re walking through valleys, how do we maintain a posture of gratitude? This question is at the heart of our upcoming sermon series, Thanking Through It.
Through this series, we’ll explore how Thanksgiving is more than a holiday or a feeling; it’s a daily practice, an anchor in difficult times, and a way to keep our hearts in tune with God’s goodness, no matter our circumstances. We’ll dive into three powerful texts that illuminate this idea and invite us to live out a deeper, more resilient gratitude.
Week 1: “State of Mind”
In the first week, we’ll explore Paul’s words to the Thessalonians, calling us to “rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.” This passage challenges us to move beyond situational gratitude and instead adopt a spirit of thanksgiving that is present in every season of life. How do we develop the habit of thankfulness, even when it doesn’t come naturally? Together, we’ll uncover practical steps to start “thanking through it” in our everyday lives.
Week 2: “Even When I Don’t Feel Like It”
Psalm 100:4 reminds us to “enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” Gratitude becomes a gateway, bringing us closer to God and deepening our worship. This week, we’ll focus on how thanksgiving transforms our relationship with God, reshaping our perspective and bringing us into His presence with open, joyful hearts. We’ll reflect on the power of intentional worship and how a thankful spirit helps us enter deeper into God’s love.
Week 3: “A Prayer from the Deep”
The story of Jonah’s prayer from the belly of the fish illustrates gratitude in one of the most challenging places—a place of despair. In Jonah’s darkest moment, he cried out to God not only for rescue but with thanksgiving. How can we find ways to thank God even when life feels overwhelming? This week’s message will help us discover how gratitude can guide us through trials, allowing God to work even in the darkest of circumstances.
Join Us as We “Thank Through It”
Each week of this series will encourage us to embrace thanksgiving as a daily practice, a spiritual discipline, and a source of strength. Whether you’re in a season of joy or facing difficult challenges, we invite you to join us and discover how gratitude can change your perspective and draw you closer to God. Together, let’s learn to be a people who thank through it—giving thanks in all things and allowing gratitude to shape our lives in profound ways.
We look forward to journeying through this series with you and hope it will fill your heart with new joy and peace this Thanksgiving season.
God bless,
Jonathan
For Jesus. For People. For Community.