On this Thanksgiving, most people find themselves able to thank the Lord for what they have and what is happening in their life. Unfortunately, that is not the case for everyone. As much as it is what is happening in your life it is also how you understand the things that are happening in life.
Romans 8:28 in the ESV says-“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
You know how easy it is to give thanks when the bills are paid, the family is healthy and the car is working. The giving thanks begins to fade as things happen. There are so many things you might think of when things are happening for which you cannot find it tI give thanks. What did I do to make God judge me? Why I am the focus of the attacks of the enemy? Seriously, they are doing ok and I deserve to happy, too.
Now, this is all a sampling and may not even address how you feel. Yet it is important, necessary, required that as Paul said: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
Recently someone told me that they were having a hard time and that prayers did not seem to be working. They were experiencing things that they and others had prayed would not happen. There was still no clear answer and in some respects no answer at all. At least not one that showed clearly God’s direction.
So be thankful even when things aren’t going the way you want them to go. No matter what it is whether it is illness, discouragement, health, finances, relationships.
This is that time of the year when we can, if we will, pause and give thanks. As songwriter Don Moen once wrote, “give thanks with a great fun heart, give thanks to the Holy One". We need to give thanks because of all He has given us.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Elbert Nasworthy