In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1Thessalonians 5:18
Giving thanks is a spiritual exercise. When you practice the act of giving thanks to God, it's like going to the gym and strengthening a muscle . And like the gym, it takes commitment and determination. We have to make up our minds to be thankful.
In today's crazy, tense, wound-up world, focusing on the negative comes too easy for most of us. But a step back to some basic truths of the Christian faith can help us exercise our muscle of thankfulness and put our focus back on the promises of God.
- God is Almighty - all knowing, all powerful, ever present, all loving (Psalm 91:1-2)
- Jesus is His son, our savior - in Him we are completely forgiven (John 14:6)
- The Holy Spirit abides with us to teach and guide us, sealing us as His redeemed(2 Corinth. 1:22)
- We are never forsaken (Hebrews 13:5)
- We will be resurrected (Romans 6:5-6)
- We will have everlasting life (John 5:24)
In light of these gifts, how can we be silent. Our hearts and lips must ring with thanksgiving!
This month and throughout the rest of the year, let's exercise our thankful muscle, remembering that even when the world is upside down and backwards, God still provides everything His children need.
Dear Father,
Your gifts are too wonderful for me to even completely understand. Eternity and everlasting life are beyond my grasp. But I thank you for them. Guide me as I endeavor to practice thanksgiving not just this month but throughout the years to come. For everything you have given to me make me truly grateful.
In Jesus' name, amen.
