Thankful Response!

When we appreciate something, it is easy to say "Thanks!" That thanks can be conveyed in the words sincerely spoken or the actions of the life. By putting to use what we have been given by another says something about how much it is truly appreciated. We may thank God in prayer for both the physical and spiritual blessings we have received. However, are there times when there is no "thanks" to be given?

In Paul's letter to the church at Thessalonica, he urged. . .
"(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." ( 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV)

What audacity to think that we should give thanks IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES! Did Paul not realize ALL CIRCUMSTANCES are not good? Well, looking at the life of Paul we should come to know he experienced a variety of circumstances that were quite trying. (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-29) Still he was bold enough to exhort toward thankfulness IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. The literal Greek is "in all give thanks" or "in all be grateful".

The development of a grateful spirit is to recognize no matter what we are going through there is ALWAYS SOMETHING for which to be thankful. Finding what that is then helps us to get through the trying circumstances rather than giving up in the midst of them. Such may even begin with thanking God that things are not worse than they are! Even as we may find ourselves lacking in some areas, we are still richly blessed in others. Where we choose to focus makes all the difference in the world. Knowing we are continuing in a right relationship with God and that He is mindful of all our circumstances and will ultimately bring us through them and to Him, ought to be cause for thanksgiving. Therefore, as the psalmist David expressed, ". . . O LORD my God, I WILL GIVE THANKS TO YOU FOREVER." ( Psalm 30:12 ESV)

Have a great day ALWAYS FINDING THE ROOM FOR THANKSGIVING!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Thankfulness