If your life feels a little unsettled right now, you’re not alone. Every one of us walks through shifting seasons, and some are harder to navigate than others. Gratitude is one of God’s gifts for navigating every part of the journey.
King Solomon once wrote, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Those words became the lyrics of The Byrds’ song“Turn, Turn, Turn,” which peaked at #1 on the Billboard charts in 1965.
A bit later Solomon added, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11) That means the season you’re in— whether it feels delightful or difficult—still carries God’s fingerprints. The question is: can we be thankful in every season? Scripture says yes.
In Luke 17, ten lepers cry out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” (Luke 17:13) Leprosy wasn’t just a sickness; it was a life sentence of isolation and sorrow. Scripture calls them “unclean,” cut off from temple, family, and community. Their suffering is a vivid picture of sin—something none of us can fix ourselves. Our first step toward gratitude is admitting our need.
Jesus tells the ten lepers, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” (Luke 17:14) They weren’t healed first and then told to go. They went— and as they went, healing came. That’s mercy. That’s grace. That’s the reminder that when all you have left is Jesus, you discover He’s all you need.
But here’s where the story takes a turn. Only one healed man comes back shouting, “Praise God!” (Luke 17:15) He falls at Jesus’ feet in thanks. Jesus asks, “Where are the other nine?” (Luke 17:17) Ten received grace. Only one returned gratitude. Sound familiar? Gratitude isn’t automatic—it’s a choice.
Paul gives us the blueprint: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Not for everything, but in everything. Joy looks different in different seasons—sometimes a smile, sometimes a steady, quiet trust. Prayer keeps our hearts open. Thanksgiving keeps our hearts aligned with heaven.
Gratitude doesn’t erase pain, but reframes it. Trials become classrooms where perseverance grows and faith deepens. David wrote psalms in caves. Paul evangelized from prisons. Jesus gave thanks on the night He was betrayed. Gratitude in every season anchors us to the God who never wastes a tear or a trial.
So the question of Luke 17 becomes the question of today: will you be the one who returns with thanksgiving, or one of the nine who simply keeps walking? Whatever season you’re in, choose gratitude—it is a doorway into God’s heart.
If you’d like a place to grow your gratitude muscle, come join us at LECC—right there at 415897 Highway 9, Eufaula. Small-group Bible study kicks off Sundays at 10 a.m., worship rings out at 11 a.m., and Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m.
At all services, we offer all-age activities that will help all your life’s seasons turn, turn, turn toward Christ—and peak to #1.
God Bless You!
Jeremy Little, Minister
