Give Thanks

Today is Thanksgiving where we take time to be grateful. While this a holiday in the United States, thanksgiving should be something Christians should be exercising all the time. There are many references in the Bible for God's people to give thanks. 

One passage that is most famous is found in 1 Thessalonians 5. The Apostle Paul is concluding his letter to the Thessalonian church where he is giving instructions under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit:

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Paul wrote that we are to rejoice always which is easier said than done at times, but we are commanded to always rejoice. God has done so much for us through the finished work of Christ, and we know one day He will return to gather His people, as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. We have all the more reason to be joyful.

We are told to never stop praying. Prayer should be a continual act for every Christian. We should pray to God when circumstance happen, when someone asks us to pray on their behalf, or giving thanks to God for what He has done. Prayer isn't just at mealtime or after reading your Bible, but it is at all times. 

This leads us to verse 18 which says we are to give thanks in everything. Yes, everything. Good times, bad times, and times we have no idea what is going on. Why should we give thanks? Everything that happens in your life is by the will of God which means that it is under God's sovereign decree.  

So, as you are about to gobble up that turkey leg followed up by your second slice of pumpkin pie, give glory and honor to the Lord for what He has done. He has you in His hands even when things are falling apart.