From the pastor's pen
Family, as we step into this Thanksgiving season, the Spirit kept bringing me back to Paul’s words to the Thessalonian church: “Give thanks in all circumstances.” At first glance, that feels like a hard command, because life does not always hand us moments that feel thank-worthy. But notice something important in the text — Paul is not telling us to be thankful for everything, but to give thanks in everything. The Greek phrase en panti literally means “in the midst of it,” suggesting that gratitude is possible even when life is imperfect. That means my circumstance does not determine my thanksgiving; my Christ does. We thank Him not because everything is smooth, but because His hand sustains us even when it’s rough.
Paul goes a step further and says, “For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” In other words, thanksgiving is not optional; it’s part of the believer’s spiritual formation. It shapes us. It aligns our perspective with heaven’s reality. When I give thanks in every circumstance, I am declaring two things at once: (1) God is present, and (2) God is in control. Gratitude becomes an act of faith — a way of testifying that the same God who brought me out before is carrying me right now. And if I can trust Him with my salvation, I can trust Him with my situation.
The Psalms echo this truth. David said, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1). That’s not poetic exaggeration; that’s spiritual discipline. David had enemies on every side, betrayals behind him, and responsibilities before him — but his praise didn’t wait for perfect conditions. He understood that thanksgiving is the believer’s warfare. It steadies the mind, strengthens the heart, and reminds the soul of God’s unfailing track record. And Psalm 103 calls us to “forget not all His benefits” — because the quickest way to lose your joy is to lose your memory.
So, Northside family, as we gather around tables, reconnect with loved ones, and reflect on this year, let’s practice gratitude with intention. Thank Him for forgiveness, for mercy, for daily bread, for unseen protection, and for the quiet ways He held you together when you were falling apart. Thank Him for the doors He opened and the ones He shut. Thank Him that even when life didn’t go according to your plan, it never stepped outside of His purpose. And may our thanksgiving become more than a holiday tradition — may it be the posture of a people who know that God has been faithful, is faithful, and will continue to be faithful.
Happy Thanksgiving, family. Let’s stay grateful, stay mindful, and stay rooted in the God who deserves every hallelujah we have.