Once a year, a holiday rolls around called Thanksgiving. Perhaps because of the name, on that day, we remember to give thanks to God for a bountiful meal, for house full of family and friends, and for a good year. And this is the way it should be. These are all things that God, as a loving father, is pleased to give us.
- Enter the temple gates with praise, its courts with thanksgiving. Give thanks to God, bless his name; good indeed is the LORD Whose love endures forever, whose faithfulness lasts through every age.
At other times and in other, less joyful situations, it may not be as easy to remember to be thankful, even though we are asked to give thanks to God for everything, in all circumstances.
- give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
all circumstances – That means both the good times and the bad. You may ask, “Why all circumstances? Why be thankful for the bad happenings of life?” As I understand it, God doesn’t cause the bad things but He will use our experiences for our good. We must remember that God sees our whole life, not just today or this year. He knows the experiences we will need and the strength that will be required for our future and, if we are willing, will use them for His purpose.
- Paul tells us; And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
This does not mean that all things will be good in the life of the believer but that God will overrule and work even through the tragedies caused by sin’s presence in the world to accomplish His purposes in the lives of those who love Him and who have responded to His call.
Three things should enable the believer to give thanks in all circumstances: having an inward sense of joy, peace from knowing Jesus and knowing that God plans a beneficial result from every trial.
As we see the holiday approaching, this may be a good time to practice the art of thanksgiving. Make this a month of giving thanks. Every evening, as you recount the events of your day, give thanks to God for the good things and for the good that He has promised to bring out of the hard things. It may just become a lifelong habit.
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