Happy Thanksgiving!

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

I love this quote from Ann Voskamp on gratitude:
“No amount of regret changes the past. No amount of anxiety changes the future. Any amount of gratitude changes the present.”

Too often we slip into believing that our circumstances should dictate our joy. But in reality, joy doesn’t flow from the outside in—it flows from the inside out. We find joy when we practice gratitude to God for everything, even the hardships that have shaped us along the way. Gratitude becomes a powerful choice for joy, a way to reframe challenges, and a declaration of faith in all seasons.

Whether you come into this Thanksgiving from a place of blessing or burden, famine or feast, I pray that you’re able to pause and give thanks to our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer, Christ Jesus for all that he has done and continues to do.