Give Thanks!

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18

Beloved,

As we approach this Thanksgiving season, I want to encourage you to give thanks to God in all things. One of our longest tenured members, Joe Greene, has taught me the incredible value of giving thanks for the various things in our lives. Every year prior to Thanksgiving, Joe expresses his gratitude with “40 Days of Thanksgiving.” Each day he walks up and gives God thanks for a specific think in his life. His example has reminded me of the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances.

            As Joe practices his “40 Days of Thanksgiving,” he is putting into practice the Apostle Paul’s admonition to set our minds on heavenly things. Giving thanks is a specific way we can turn our eyes from discontent and frustration to joy and satisfaction. We can choose to focus on all we do not have or we can give thanks for what we do have. We must choose to give thanks and we must choose to look for things to give thanks for in our lives. Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” What are the true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable things in your life that you can give thanks to God for in your present circumstances. Our circumstances will always be changing, but our attitude of gratitude should always be a constant anchor in the changing seasons of life.

            Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. What does God want you to do with your life? He wants you to give thanks. God has given us a reason to always give thanks in giving us the One we can always give thanks for, Jesus Christ our Savior. Beloved, give thanks to God for Jesus Christ this Thanksgiving and every day after.