Thankfulness Leads to Joy

Midweek Meditation with Pastor Edith
November 26, 2025
Romans 15:13

Tomorrow most of my family will gather with us to celebrate thanksgiving, and I am very thankful for that. I am also thankful that one of us will gather everyone in a big circle and as we hold hands, each one will share something they are truly thankful for. Yet, I realize that there are lots of folks who won’t have that experience. Many will be alone, or in a hospital or nursing home away from family and friends. Many who are on active duty with the military will be away and miss their loved ones. There are some who are very close to us in proximity who will be lonely and we won’t even be aware of it. What should I do, what should you do?

Well, the first idea that pops in my head is to stop and pray. Pray a thankful prayer to the God who knows everyone’s heart and loves us all unconditionally. Then pick up the phone and call someone you haven’t talked with in a while and let them know you are thinking of them and love them. Perhaps in these first steps the Lord will direct me and you to meet a need of someone who doesn’t see much hope or joy this thanksgiving, and you and I can encourage, and share in tangible ways the hope, joy and peace of God.

I read a little devotional today from a book I haven’t picked up in a long time; “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young. Here’s is a bit of what inspires me today; “When your mind is occupied with thanking Me, you have no time for worrying or complaining. If you practice thankfulness consistently, negative thought patterns will gradually grow weaker and weaker. Draw near to Me [The Lord] with a grateful heart, and My Presence will fill you with Joy and Peace”. Let me just leave you with our Scripture today, Romans 15:13; “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”.

AMEN and Pray on!