I love the simplicity and conciseness of 1 Thessalonians 5:18, where we are told to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
In the original Greek text, the phrase stops at the word “all.” The translators add the word “circumstances.” In other words, we are to “give thanks in all” – all circumstances, all situations, all times, all moments, all trials, all triumphs, all places, all victories, all defeats, all joys, all heartaches, all things! All of life!
BOTTOM LINE: JUST BE A THANKFUL PERSON!
That’s what I want to be. That’s what I want the members of my family to be. That’s what I want the members of the RCC family to be. May God make us increasingly thankful when we consider all He has done for us in His Son Jesus.
Here’s another Thanksgiving verse to ponder: Psalm 44:8 - In God we have boasted continually, and we will give thanks to your name forever.
The word “continually” can also be translated “all day long” and “every day.” In other words, the truly thankful person is consistent in his gratitude. He doesn’t get in “gratitude slumps.” God’s grace is so amazing to him that nothing can shake him from his grateful demeanor.
Ponder these words from Jim Eliff:
The problem with being thankful is not so much one of manners as it is of alertness to the facts, that is, simply having open eyes to what is true. And it is true that you and I deserve nothing good. No, more than that, we deserve everything bad – an eternity in hell. We could probably nip ungratefulness in the bud if we could ever learn well what we deserve because of our sins.
Wouldn’t you think that a consistent reminder of what we deserve – hell – would result in consistent displays of gratitude in both word and deed?
As I get older, the more clearly I realize things like this: I don’t deserve to be pastoring this wonderful, loving church family – I deserve hell!
And the only reason I’m not getting hell right now is grace! God’s amazing grace!!
And when that truth sinks into the depths of my being and finds a permanent resting place in my heart, a great contentment sweeps over me and begins to dominate my soul. I pray that has happened to each and every one of you.
As God’s adopted children, we have the awesome blessing of His covenant presence, His commitment to us to be our God. He is our covenant Lord who takes us to be His very own – to fight our battles, to bless us, to love us, to walk with us through the valleys, and to discipline us for our good.
He places His name upon us. He dwells with us and among us. He sends His Spirit to live in us, and to seal our salvation as permanent, and to transform us into the image of His Son.
This is why Paul wrote things like:
· Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ – 1 Cor. 15:57
· Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! 2 Cor. 9:15
· Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Col. 1:12
· I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service. 1 Tim. 1:12
This is why the psalmist wrote things like:
· I will give to the Lord the thanks due to His righteousness. Psalm 7:17
· I will magnify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30
· It is good to give thanks to the Lord. Psalm 92:1
· Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! Psalm 100:4
· Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 118:1
· Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name. Psalm 140:13
Gratitude is a beautiful attitude. Can one be a Christian without it? I think not, because it is at the center of worshipping our great God, the Giver of life and breath and all things.
Thanksgiving should dominate the heart of every believer. May it be so with the believers at RCC!
Amy and I thank God for you all! We pray you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with those you love, and that your giving of thanks to our great God will never be seasonal, but constant.
SDG,
Pastor Butch