Thankfulness
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT
With Thanksgiving upon us next week, I’ve been wondering if we’re feeling thankful at all this year. What a rough year. One we can’t wait to forget. Our lives got rearranged like living room furniture. Nothing has been normal, and we will be talking about it for years to come.
Despite all we’ve been through, are we still thankful, or did circumstances cloud that up for us? Can you say that God is still good though it’s been a pretty hard time lately? It’s okay if we can’t answer this right now. However, my concern is that we don’t fall into a pit of bitterness and ungratefulness.
Our verse has a tiny word that should change our perspective. Let’s take a look. “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong in Christ.” Did you pick up on that word? It’s the word all. The meaning for the word all is all. Every circumstance that you and I found ourselves in, we should be thankful for this year, whether good or bad.
When we think about it, we do have something to be thankful for. Perhaps you or your loved ones didn’t get sick, or arrangements were made to work from home instead of losing your job, or your kids are adjusting well with learning from home, or you found toilet paper at the store. Though these things are often taken for granted, there is always something to be grateful for. Gratitude keeps us from becoming bitter, for we cannot be both grateful and bitter at the same time.
Giving thanks reminds us of what we do have, and when we focus on that, we are happier. Throughout the Bible are verses of thanksgiving to God. Here are a couple to think about:
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” Psalm 100:4-5
“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done”. 1 Chronicles 16:8
Let’s be determined to end this interesting year being grateful for what God has given us and got us through by celebrating with our friends and family. Happy Thanksgiving!