Give Thanks

“in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, have you truly taken inventory of your life and all you have to be grateful for? Maybe it’s family, friends, provisions, or deliverance from a tough circumstance. Or perhaps this question is more difficult for you to answer because you’re in a season where you can’t seem to trace that which is praiseworthy.

This particular Thanksgiving, and really daily; how about we take a moment to reflect on all that is worth being grateful for? The big, the small and the in between. The job, resources, loving individuals in our lives, a home, our progress since the top of the year, life, busy body children, strength, any and everything. Scripture tells us that it is the will of God for us to give thanks in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18). If this is the will of God, we can conclude that there is always something to give God thanks for. 

Do you ever just ponder on the goodness of God? If you haven’t lately, try it. Even if it’s difficult. 

His word is full of promises and affirmation for those who have trusted in Him. His word is full of love declarations to a people who constantly fall short -you & I. In Jeremiah 31:3, He professes His love to a people who were being punished due to their disobedience saying, “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love.” That same word still applies to us imperfect individuals today. 

The everlasting, never ending love of God is more than enough to be grateful for. The very love that prompted Him to send His only Son as our Savior, securing our eternal destination. The very love that Christ displayed as He died a criminal’s death for our sins just so we’d be made right with Father God. And I don’t mean only the sin that we’ve been delivered from. But consider the sin we’re too ashamed to admit that we enjoy, the sin that we currently struggle with. Seeing our frailty up against God’s great love has no choice but to produce a heart of gratitude. Those who know where God brought them for, who recognize they’ve been forgiven much; loves Him much in response to His great love(Luke 7:47).

Our everlasting list of shortcomings does not scare off our everlasting God and it certainly doesn’t cause Him to remove His everlasting love. The love that Romans 8:28 tells us nothing could separate us from.

While we were enemies of God, He saw us, knew us, chose us and drew us to Himself. Now it seems impossible to imagine life without Him. And even during this journey as we fall short both accidentally and purposely, He still remains faithful to us. Jesus is so committed to us that He often refers to us as His bride in scripture. What greater commitment? 

I know bills exist, anxiety is at an all time high, heartbreaks happen and we’re all tired.. 

But those things are no match for the love of God and especially our salvation. If relief doesn’t come today or even tomorrow, we still have so much to be thankful for. We have the promise that “Christ will make His home in our hearts as we trust in Him. Our roots will grow down into God’s love and keep us strong.” Promises that the Lord is our salvation, we need not fear (Psalm 27:1). Even the truth that us sheep have a Good Shepherd Who comforts and protects us in the darkest valley (Psalm 23). 

The promises of God and the Good News of the Gospel is a great cause for gratitude! I hope that this holiday ignites a fresh perspective and new way of life -which is finding something, anything to be thankful for and tracing it back to a loving Savior. The One Who knows the struggles that attempt to blind you from the blessings. A good God Who doesn’t discount the hurt, difficulties or grief but longs to personally comfort you. The God of salvations, Who holds all things in His hand. Who we have the privilege through relationship, of calling Him Father, Friend, Comforter, Advocate, Protector, Provider, Sustainer, Lover of our soul and majorly, Savior!

As you prepare to be around a multitude of various people during this holiday season -or not; keep in mind the wonderful blessing of God and share Him with others. (We all are connected to folks who need Him and it shows. Lol) He’s too good not to share! Look for Him in all things and in all things, give Him thanks!!

Lets pray:

Father God, thank You for Your love that never ends and never fails. As we approach the holidays, help us to experience Your love in a fresh way. Where we may be experiencing holiday sadness, Lord God draw near to the broken hearted and the crushed in spirit. Reignite our joy. Open our eyes to see all we have to be thankful for & stir up in us a heart of gratitude. Forgive us for the times we have taken Your blessings for granted. Forgive us for anytime we’ve had complaining hearts. Thank You for being Who You are to us, Lord. Show us how we can extend Your love to others. Also, lead others to extend Your love to us. Renew the hope of the Good News in us today. In all things, help us give You thanks.

In Jesus’s name, amen.