It’s been a difficult month, nestled in a difficult year. As coronavirus cases continue to rise in the midst of a tumultuous election season, there’s a collective sense of anxiety, loneliness, and grief. We may gather wearily around our Thanksgiving tables commiserating, “I’m thankful this year is almost over.”

As we enter this season of thanksgiving, it’s an opportunity to consider what it means to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:18). It doesn’t mean we stuff all the hard things into an emotionless closet and try to hide from the difficulties of the past year. We can share honestly about the hardships while giving thanks for the ways God has met us in our trials. Sorrow and rejoicing can walk side by side and not be in opposition (2 Cor. 6:10).

Laura Baxter offers helpful advice as we live this paradox: “This Thanksgiving, as you gather around the table, don’t be afraid to name your crisis. Talk about your ‘fleas’: your struggles with mental illness, your loneliness, your unemployment. Then fight your way to gratitude. Paul describes believers as ‘sorrowful, yet always rejoicing’ (2 Cor. 6:10). By the help of the Holy Spirit, this can be true of you. Take your broken heart to him. Weep. And then give thanks.”

We have so much to be thankful for because of Jesus. May the joy of the Lord be your strength and his grace be your hope (1 Pet. 1:13).

Thankful for you,