Yup! That’s right. Rather than interrupt my Burnout posts with one for Thanksgiving, I’m combining them. And why not? No matter what you’re going through–even in burnout–there is much to be thankful for.

How can we be thankful in burnout?

Personally, burnout (along with the encouragement of others) exposed a huge lie I believed. I thought my value was based on what I earn and what I do. If someone had told me I was believing that lie, I would’ve denied it. The lie was buried so deep within my heart, it took falling into the burnout pit and a reader’s encouragement to expose it.

Here are two things I learned through this exposed lie:

Truth #1 – God Provides What I Need

If I lack something, it’s because I don’t need it, I’m not ready for it, or something else that God knows better than I. If I need something, He will provide.

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are?” – Matthew 6:26

“Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” – Hebrews 13:5

Truth #2 – My Value is Based on Who I Am in Christ

I am a child of God. A member of His family. A daughter of the King. That is where my value comes from. Although I knew that in my head, I’m grateful for all my experiences that push that truth deeper into my heart.

“See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know Him.” – 1 John 3:1

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

The Creator of the universe loves us and invites us into His family. If you’ve accepted Jesus as your Savior, the Holy Spirit resides in you now and you will be with God forever. How’s that for something to be thankful for?

Reason to be Thankful: God loves you

Burnout helped me set my priorities straight. I needed a wake up call to put my writing back where it belonged…after God, after my family, after people. It’s important, but its certainly not most important.

“Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:37-40

Burnout also helped me realize I needed to make changes in my writing processes. I can’t do everything leading experts suggest. Nor should I. I’m a writer, yes. But I write for God’s Kingdom, not this world. Therefore, the way I work can’t and shouldn’t follow the way of this world.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” – Romans 12:2

I’m so grateful that God knocked me down to stand me back up stronger than before. Yes, it hurts. But it’s so worth it. He is always with me, helping me grow, strengthening me, never giving up on me.

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” – Psalm 46:1

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” – Philippians 1:6

Reason to be Thankful: God helps us

Even in times of trouble we can, and should, be thankful.

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

What are you thankful for?

I’m grateful for all the people God has put in my life. Thanksgiving has changed over the years. My little family of my dad, my brother, and my sister has changed. My dad and my in-laws are getting older. People are growing up and moving on. But that’s the way things go. One day, every day will be thanksgiving as God’s children gather together as one big family and fellowship in heaven.

“There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?” – John 14:2

“That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” – 1 Corinthians 2:9

Reason to be Thankful: We have hope

Are you going through burnout? Has Thanksgiving changed for you? Are you missing someone? Or are you going through another difficult situation?

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6

No matter what you’re going through, you have something to be thankful for. Focus on that.

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” – Colossians 3:17

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1

Whether you celebrate thanksgiving or not, if you’re part of God’s family, you have much to be thankful for. So, with a thankful heart, celebrate.

You are loved,

J F Rogers