How To Be Thankful
I know this year has been crazy. I know that some have and are continuing to suffer because of COVID and the effects of this crisis. Some have lost jobs and even loved ones. So, I do not mean to make light of the difficulty that many have had to endure during this season. But I do want to remind us that even in the midst of difficulty, we have much to be thankful for.
I understand, we may not feel like being very thankful right now. But thankfulness is not a feeling. It’s a choice! We have to choose to be thankful!
Paul commands in scripture to, “16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (! Thessalonians 5:16-18)
How can Paul, a man who knew the difficulty of life, especially that of following Jesus, find a way to be joyful and thankful? Let me offer a few suggestions:
1. Prayer must be a Priority.
In verse 16, we are told to pray without ceasing. This is foundational! When you don’t understand something, pray that God would give you discernment. Prayer is the key to being thankful.
2. Joy Must be Particular.
In verse 17 we are told to be joyful always. We all know that every situation does not bring joy so how is it possible to be joyful always? Our joy has to be found in only 1 thing! In this case, 1 person. That is the person of Jesus Christ. Situations change, Jesus never does! We cannot find joy in everything. But we can always find joy in the fact that we have a relationship with Christ!
Lastly,
3. Trust that God has a Plan.
Verse 18 tells us this is “the will of God.” God is up to something. You may not know what it is right now. I don’t always know either. But just because we don’t understand or “see it” at the moment, doesn’t mean that God is not at work! God is always at work and is always working for the ‘good of those that love Him.” (Romans 8:28)
It’s not possible to be thankful for every circumstance. But it is possible to be thankful in every circumstance. Because our thankfulness is not found in the circumstances of life. Our thankfulness is found in the person of Jesus Christ!
