THE WORD: “In every thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
THE POINT: People typically associate Thanksgiving with a holiday
season in the USA. Thanksgiving is a time when families come together to count their blessings and give thanks to God. Although it is good to have a special
day, thanksgiving should always be in
season! Here’s why: Giving thanks is God’s will! Furthermore, it’s good for you! Thankfulness is the key to the release of God’s abundance.
Many Christians are concerned about God’s will, and rightly so. What God wants is not only right, but it’s also the best thing for us. This verse spells out one aspect of God’s will that is very clear—just be thankful! This involves being thankful to God in every situation, under every circumstance . . . regardless of the outcome.
However, the exhortation to be thankful in everything requires more than lip service. God does not want us to honor Him merely with our lips, while our hearts are far from Him. The kind of thankfulness God desires must stem from a grateful heart. True thanksgiving is an attitude of the heart. Such an attitude of
gratitude toward God is God’s will for your life!
THE APPLICATION: How is it possible to have such an attitude of gratitude? It
is only possible with God, who makes all things possible. The presence of God’s Spirit within you makes it is possible for you to have an entirely different perspective on life. When you see that God is in you and that He is in your circumstances, it changes everything. Since God is in you, as well as in your circumstances, you can be assured that His higher purposes (which are always in your best interest) will prevail. Thus, He will get you through it—whatever it is!
Of course, you won’t always feel like giving thanks with your emotions, or
even understand it with your mind. But that’s OK, because in your heart you know that giving thanks is the right thing to do. God has made that clear in this verse of Scripture. Such thankfulness requires a faith response.
Therefore, as you, by faith, open your mouth to express thanksgiving, God will enable you to be thankful. He will give you a grateful heart and fill your mouth with words of thanksgiving. So, be sure to give thanks in all things. It will make all the difference! You’ll be glad you did.
THE PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, it is hard to be thankful when there are so many negative things in the world. Nevertheless, Your will is for me to give thanks in all things. Therefore, since I am in union with Christ, I ask You to cause me to be thankful. As I live in dependency upon Christ, I know that whatever comes into my life is Your will for my life. You are in control of me and everything that happens to me. So, I trust You to enable me to handle whatever comes my way.”
Gratefully yours,
Dr. Lewis & Lue Gregory
