Give Thanks IN All Things
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
“In everything give thanks…” But I don’t want to…
I’m upset that the Corona Virus is still here and seems to be getting worse. It troubles me that my son was exposed to the virus and now has some of the symptoms.
What if I get it? There’s so much work to be done.
We are contemplating not getting together with family because it’s too risky…
So, today I’m struggling with giving thanks IN all things.
I need to remember some basic truths.
- Giving thanks is God’s will. The verse ends with: “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
- Giving thanks was something our biblical heros did. Remember how that the disciples, after being flogged for preaching Christ, praised and thanked God that they were counted worthy to suffer for His name’s sake. Remember Paul and Silas praying and praising God at midnight? They were in jail, bound with chains with open wounds from the beating they received.
- Giving thanks ushers in the peace of God. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7. I don’t know about you, but I sure need that peace.
- Giving thanks can be done even when things aren’t going my way. “Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”Habakkuk 3:17-18 . So today, I resolve to give thanks IN all things… Even if I don’t feel like it. “Praise the Lord anyhow!” Happy THANKSgiving!
