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“A Thankful Heart”
Categories: Shepherd's CornerGiving thanks to the Lord in everything can be a tricky thing if we don’t understand God’s power, purposes, and heart. Why should we give thanks for pain, trials or persecution?
1Thessalonians 5:16-18 presents almost a bird’s eye view of how to move through our whole lives,
always (deep down) rejoicing, praying and giving thanks in all things (or “circumstances,” in some translations). It’s an attitude that should color our entire existence; not just pop up occasionally when we’re feeling especially spiritual. This passage says “in everything,” not “for everything.” God isn’t saying we should thank Him that others sin, that someone died, or that we’re suffering. We give thanks that He is with us through it all.
God is always working everything together for our good (if we’re in Christ), eventually working everything together for His glory. We give thanks because He is with us in our circumstances. We give thanks because we can see beyond the short term pain to the long term victories. We give thanks because, no matter what’s right in front of us, He’s in control, and His covenant love to His people never ends. (Psalm 107:1)
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1Thess 5:16-18
Without God and His promises we have no reason to be thankful in anything or for anything. Because God is with us, working on our behalf, we have reason for thanks.
Let us ask God to help us to look beyond what is temporary in our circumstances so we that we can see the eternal and give Him thanks for how He works all things to our good. Help us to have a grateful heart O Lord. Amen!
