In Everything Give Thanks
“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks sound like such an easy thing to do, but as we all know, it is not. Especially, if you are facing difficulties, challenges or just having a bad day. Who wants to thank God when you find out you have an illness, you just lost a loved one, maybe you hit some financial struggle, have been in an auto accident, or are being ignored and ostracized because you do not fit in. Yes, you may be in a valley, on a mountain or even in a desert, but that does not change Jesus’ directive to give thanks in everything.
The key here is we may not feel like “giving thanks,” but “giving thanks” should not be based on our emotional state. Giving thanks is a conscious spiritual decision. Whatever you are dealing with, there is opportunity for growth and maturity. Giving thanks to Yahweh for the possibilities for change to occur in our attitude, in our heart, and in our mindset.
Sometime ago, I recall when a family member faced a devastating illness. It rocked my world. I felt like I was in the valley, in the desert and on the mountain all at the same time. I felt lost and discouraged, and questioned God. After my pity party, I turned back to the Father and I distinctly remember a question I heard – Will you thank Me? Yahweh asked me even during my storm, will I thank Him. I had to make a decision, and I chose to thank Him. I thanked Him for the opportunity, for His purpose in it, for His support through it, for His love and grace and for His faithfulness even when I was unfaithful to Him (2 Tim 2:13). In everything I gave thanks!
In a recent Sunday message Steve made a profound statement, “what if the valley is not something to run through, but the valley is something to build in.” Yahweh God was using that valley I was in, and He enabled me to build something new in myself. So, as you start your day and celebrate this Thanksgiving season, do not just give thanks for your blessings and good aspects of life. But truly pursue a new approach to give Him thanks in all circumstances, to thank the Father in everything.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18