GIVING THANKS FOR ALL THINGS

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

This coming Thursday, we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving Day here in the United States. For most, it is a time for family, food and fun. Yet the holiday has a deeper meaning than this. The Thanksgiving holiday is a reminder that we have much to be grateful for. For the Christian, giving thanks is a daily event, not an annual observance.

The Bible has much to say about giving thanks. When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, he said, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” While most of us would agree that it is God's will for us to give thanks, there are three words that make this command very challenging: "In every thing..."

Most of us have no problem giving thanks when we receive an answer to prayer. It is not difficult to be grateful when we receive good news. We don't consider it a difficult matter to express gratitude when we receive God's blessings. But Paul wrote, "In every thing give thanks." Let's be honest, there are times that giving thanks is more difficult than others. When the doctor gives you a terminal diagnosis, it is tough to give thanks. When a policeman knocks on your door and gives you devastating news, it is hard to be grateful. Yet the Bible instructs us, "In every thing give thanks."

How can we be grateful at all times? How can we give thanks "in every thing"? When everything is going wrong, how can we praise God? Let me give you three things we can always be grateful for.

1. THE GOODNESS OF GOD

Your circumstances may not be great, but God is. Your medical prognosis may not be good, but the Lord is good. God is good whether your situation seems good or not. He can be trusted with our challenges, problems and uncertain future. Isn't it good to know that your future is in the hands of Someone good? Yes, bad things happen in life. It rains on the just and the unjust. Life on earth is marred by sin, so don't be shocked when problems or pain comes in your life. The problems of this sin-cursed world are a reflection of man's rebellion. God is good all the time. Be grateful for that.

2. THE GRACE OF GOD

Regardless of what you're going through, you can be thankful for the grace of God. Because of God's grace, you are His child. The old hymn writer, John Newton, aptly wrote, "'Twas grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home." Every blessing you have enjoyed is a gift to you from a loving Father. Even if all your blessings came to an end today, you've already received far more blessings than you can repay Him for. You didn't deserve a single blessing, yet God, in His grace, has blessed you abundantly. Has a loved one passed away? Be grateful for the time you did have with him and thank God for the promise of the resurrection. Loose a portion of your health? Be thankful for the health you've had in the past and the degree of health you now have. All good and perfect gifts come from the Father. They are tokens of His love and grace. Be thankful for God's unmerited favor.

3. THE GLORY OF GOD

Finally, be thankful that God is in control. Your future is not in the hands of "fate," but a great and loving God. The God we serve is perfect in all His ways. Meditate on the glory of the Lord and you'll be blown away. We are not servants of sin, but servants of the most high God. He takes great delight in making His glory known. In fact, you are here on earth to express praise to Him. You were created to glorify the Lord. The Lord is glorified through the obedience of His children. When His presence is noticed in the life of a believer, it brings great pleasure to Him. Sometimes in our valleys, He works deeply in our lives, making us the people we ought to be. It is the trials of life that make us strong. The problems and pain of life keep us humble and prayerful. We find ourselves spending more time with Him as we face the challenges of life. Just as the melting fire melts away dross from a precious stone, the melting fire of affliction often melts away the sinful, selfish dross from our lives. God's glory, not our comfort, is the aim of this life. We are here to glorify the Lord, not build large bank accounts. Paul wrote, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”

The horrible events of life remind us that we live in a sin-infested world. Such heartbreaking events also remind us that we are citizens of another country --- a better country. When we get to heaven, the trials of this life will make better sense. Until then, we can trust God with anything we face. And for that, we give Him thanks.