Give Thanks

Thank you.

Why are these two words sometimes so difficult for people to say? Giving thanks requires an acknowledgment that we have received a service, an action, or generosity from someone else. It requires us to recognize that we have received something we did not provide for ourselves.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

“…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Giving thanks is not merely a suggestion from God. Rather, it is His command. We are to give thanks in all circumstances and in all things.

This verse begs a greater question: Are we really supposed to be thankful in the good times and the bad times?

The short answer is yes.

Notice that Paul says we are to be thankful in the circumstance, not necessarily for the circumstance.

No one I know enjoys times of sorrow, disappointment, or hardship. We don't have to pretend that difficult circumstances are good. But even in our deepest distress, we can be thankful that our Lord is right there with us.

In fact, it is often in the valleys of life that we discover a depth of God's love, presence, and faithfulness that we may never experience on the mountaintops. There are things about God we learn in our suffering that comfort and prosperity can never teach us.

It is the ungrateful heart that bickers and complains. Ungratefulness can slowly breed faithlessness. And without faith, we cannot please God.

So, in every circumstance, we can be thankful to God because He loves us.

Whether we are on top of the world or walking through the valley, our hearts can rejoice because the Creator of all things knows us, loves us, and walks with us. His Word declares that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Rejoice in the good times.

Be thankful in the challenging times.

And in every circumstance, be encouraged by this truth:

Our God is with us.

Give thanks.

With Gratitude, Pastor Jesse