Thanksgiving

 In Everything Give Thanks 

Do you ever have trouble sleeping? Occasionally I (Larry) wake up in the middle of the night and have difficulty getting back to sleep. Amidst this circumstance I have discovered a fruitful way to not only pass the time, but to fall asleep again. I simply begin thanking God for the innumerable blessings He has so graciously bestowed upon me. This use of time has served as a useful sleep aid, as whatever may be on my mind inhibiting my slumber dissolves under the weight of reciting His blessings with gratitude!

Yet, thankfulness ought be so much more than a sleep aid, it should be a lifestyle:

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

Having an attitude of gratitude in all things is not only good for our soul, it can also be a powerful testimony to others. While many people are thankful for temporal blessings, we as God’s children also thank Him for the many spiritual blessings in Christ. 

Additionally, we can also thank God for trials! 

You see, His plans and purposes are fulfilled in and through our lives, not only in good times, but in all times:

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Whatever season or circumstance of life you and I find ourselves in today as we approach the presidential election and holiday season, it can and should be a season of thanksgiving.

We thank God, the “giver of every good and perfect gift’” (James 1:17). We can also thank God for challenging seasons and circumstances, even those we’ve we’ve experienced this fall, like  hurricanes and geo-political upheaval, for they remind us that this world is not our home, that we are just passing through (1 Peter 2:11-12, Philippians 3:20). Remember, the believer in Jesus, the future is bright. In fact, it couldn’t be brighter!

Therefore, in all things at all times, thankfulness demonstrates our dependence upon God, who has blessed us with life, salvation, and the promise of an eternal home with Him!

By God’s grace and through the power of His Spirit, may we reflect and attitude of gratitude this holiday season and beyond, that others may know the God of all grace – the One worthy of all praise and thanksgiving!

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His love endures forever.” – 1 Chronicles 16:34