In Everything Give Thanks

  By: Joanne Viola

 

We are flipping the calendar to the start of a new month, and the month of Thanksgiving. Or should I say, “thanksgiving.”

The dictionary informs me this is a “celebration of divine goodness” or “a prayer expressing gratitude” (from merriam-webster.com).

These two definitions brought to mind several truths concerning thanksgiving:

Everything we have has been given to us out of the “divine goodness” of our God. The enemy would have us to believe God withholds good from us. All that is good for us, and for our good comes from God.

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, 
coming down from the Father of lights, 
with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” 
(James 1:17, NASB) 

Thanksgiving is to be “a prayer expressing gratitude.” This should cause us to pause. Gratitude will keep our hearts from a growing sense of entitlement. It turns our focus from thinking we deserve more, to being grateful for what we have already been given.

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; 
in everything give thanks; 
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NASB) 

There is something which occurs in our souls when we connect the three actions which Paul mentions in these verses.

When we rejoice, or are always joyful, and when we pray continuously, we will find ourselves able to give thanks.

“Paul never instructed the church to thank God for evil events but to thank God that even in evil times and circumstances our hope remains, and God continues to work in our lives.”

(from The New American Commentary, Vol. 33, page 182)

So as we enter this month of thanksgiving, be watchful.
Look for the blessings God gives to you each day.
“And in everything give thanks.”

 

Reflection:
Do you struggle with giving thanks in all circumstances? For what can you be grateful today?

 

Photo by alex geerts on Unsplash