“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His love endures forever.”
(Psalm 107:1)
We are now in the season where we once again reflect upon all that we are thankful for. So, what are you thankful for? What events and circumstances have happened in your life this past year that you are truly thankful for?
We have a tendency sometimes to only be thankful for the good and positive things that have happened in our lives, but God tells us to be thankful even when things do not go our way and trouble and unrest occur.
It is not easy to be thankful for the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and reduced times of gathering and fellowship. The new normal has created additional stress, anxiety and uneasiness in our livelihood and has helped create a greater level of fear, mistrust and apprehension. Yet, the Apostle Paul tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (James 1:2)
Thankfulness is a prominent Bible theme. As it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
We are told to give thanks in all circumstances. Thankfulness should be a way of life for us, naturally flowing from our hearts and mouths. We should be thankful because God is worthy of our thanksgiving. “It is only right to credit Him for every good and perfect gift He gives to us.” (James 1:17) When we are thankful, our focus moves away from our selfish desires and helps lessen the pain of our current circumstances.
Expressing thankfulness helps us remember that God is in control. Thankfulness, then, is not only appropriate, it is actually healthy and beneficial for us. It reminds us of the bigger picture — that we belong to God, we were created by God, and everything we receive has been given to us because of God’s love, grace and mercy.
This season, let us find the time to be thankful to the Lord. After all, God is already thankful for you.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark