Giving Thanks In All Things — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
This Thursday, all across the United States of America, millions of people will be gathering together to mark a national day of Thanksgiving as first proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Most people will celebrate the day by attending or watching a football game, eating a hearty dinner, perhaps watching a parade. In the eyes of some Thanksgiving kicks off “The Holiday Season” which extends through New Year’s Day.
Although the reason for the day has lost its meaning to many, Thanksgiving serves as a reminder to others to be grateful for what they have and to be thankful regardless of what may be going on in their lives. No, we shouldn’t wait until the fourth Thursday of November to offer thanks to our God, but as a nation it is beneficial to examine our hearts, give thanks to the Almighty, and put our trust in Him for His guidance.
Admittedly, I struggle to express thanks as I often find myself trying to resolve a problem or worrying needlessly over some matter when boldly going to the throne of grace would be personally beneficial and above all else honoring to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
You may be going through a very difficult time in your life right now and giving thanks to God for something you don’t want to experience seems unnatural, even phony. I don’t believe God wants us to thank Him for our calamities, rather for us to thank Him for holding us up all through our lives.
Psalm 30:5 says, “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.”
The promise of morning is coming and for that we can all be thankful.
Popularity: 1% [?]
One Comment »