It seems as if the holidays are in a hurry once again this year. My thoughts are still stuck on summertime. Meanwhile, it is mid-fall with Thanksgiving upon us. However Thanksgiving looks like for you, here is one thing we can all do: think thankfully.

If all your thoughts were written on a scroll today, what would it read? You may already be wondering how to hit the snooze button. I know I am. We have a lot of thoughts throughout our days, some good, some bad. The truth is, thinking is a gift from God. And the good news is, our thoughts don’t have to control us.

We can think thankfully.

Even when things are out my control, I am choosing thankfulness because I know the One who does have control.

If it’s something we can’t control, we can release it to the One who knows best. Carrying what we can’t control doesn’t benefit us, so why not brave it by letting it go?

The holidays can hold so much joy, but some of us may experience an empty table without family or maybe the holidays bring some angst. Know that I am thinking about you and pray that God reminds you that He is with you, always.

Can we think thankfully when we feel anxiousness rising? Yes, because the Apostle Paul reminds us that we can always turn to God because He is near. We can turn anxious thoughts into prayer to God. I find that talking through things helps me process sometimes, and talking things out with Jesus is really life giving. And I love that He listens to me as I share my thoughts, even while I am cleaning or driving.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

This is a familiar Scripture verse that we often hear, yet I am thinking about how much power is behind what Paul is saying.

Paul realizes we’ll feel anxious, but he helps us by telling us what to do when we do feel anxious.

Last week, I was feeling anxious about a couple of things. My mind was fixed on those two circumstances, but as I started talking to God about it, I felt the reassurance settling my thoughts. Was I still a little anxious? Honestly, yes. Pausing to turn my thoughts to Jesus, though, brought me to a place of peace.

He can always help us bring our thoughts back to a place of peace. As we turn to Him, even in the rush of the holidays, we can change our thoughts to thankfulness.

This week, I am thinking about all that I am thankful for. I am turning my thoughts to the One who knows best.

I am thankful you are here, and I hope your heart is filled with much thanks this season.