“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV.
Even a bad day is better when God is with you and others are praying for you.
My thoughts and comments today are about “giving thanks.”
There is always something for which you can give thanks. Any time is a good time to be thankful. I remember when a dear friend was facing very serious health crises. There were some good days but many difficult ones, dealing with challenging treatments and their debilitating aftermath. Among our conversations, I was careful not to ask how he was feeling, because I knew that most of the time he was not feeling well.
Instead, I asked, “How are you doing?” I rejoiced when he could respond, “Better today.” The simple truth is that every one of us can be thankful that any day is better than it might have been without the grace of God and the love and company of family and friends. Even a bad day is better when you know God is with you and others are praying for you.
A favorite hymn of mine is, “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” How easy it is to feel thankful when all is well and you are feeling good about your life. But what do you do those other times when everything is not as you wished it were? You give thanks sincerely. Feeling thankful is elusive; being thankful is obedience. “Always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all . . In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15/18 NKJV.
Giving thanks is not a ”when you feel like it” kind of thing; giving thanks is the active pursuit of what is good for you and embracing the expressed will of God for you. Failing to do so is acceptance of something much less and a failure to follow God’s will for your life, whatever your present circumstance.
Don’t dwell on what’s distressing you; look for ways God is blessing you. There is always something for which you can give thanks, if you have a heart to look for your blessings. Chose to be thankful. Your Father has a master plan that is unfolding under His wise and watchful loving care. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose . . predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son.” See Romans 8:28-29 NIV.
As I thought about that, I realized there is a practical connection between thankfulness and hopefulness. It is hard to be hopeful about things yet unforeseen if you can’t find reasons for being thankful presently. On God’s agenda your calendar is filled with better days.
The Bible is clear, “Giving thanks always, for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20 NKJV. Notice those words: always and all things. Admittedly, that is challenging for any of us, but obviously achievable in faith and with gratitude. Thanksgiving is the best of times to look for the blessings that assure your heart of better days.
My prayer for you today is that you are persuaded that any day is a better day with God.