“Give thanks in all things.” 1 Thessalonians5:18
It’s always easy to give thanks when everything is going our way. It’s a natural state of being, isn’t it? Think about when things aren’t going our way. Have you ever heard anyone say something like “Wow, things are really horrible at work right now. I am SO thankful for that!” Probably not. We would consider that an unnatural state of being. Giving thanks when life is hard isn’t exactly what we’re hardwired to do.
However, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 gives Christians that charge. Give thanks in all things. That can be a tough pill to swallow. Especially when nothing seems to be going our way. I experienced something a few weeks ago – let’s just call it an emotional dark place (you might be able to relate – it’s that feeling of drowning, of trying to keep everyone’s cups filled but the one you’re pouring out of has a hundred tiny leaks? That’s where I was) and even in this place there was a constant reminder of “But you have SO much to be thankful for!” I admit…these were NOT the words I wanted to hear and yet I knew in my heart that was the truth. But in that moment all I could focus on was the burden that seemed too great for me to bear, all I could feel was the weightiness of the world pressing in on me, and all I could think about were my inadequacies, my struggle to juggle all the things that were important to me.
In the midst of adversity, I had lost sight of HOW God was using that particular moment in time to call me to Him. And isn’t that exactly what He does when we trust in Him? He pulls us close in times of vulnerability and says “I’ve got this.” Sometimes we kick and scream like our toddlers, we want to show our independence but He knows better. And you know what? Thankfulness was ultimately what plugged all those tiny holes in my bucket because it changed my perspective.
When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude. Gilbert K. Chesterton
CALL TO ACTION
There’s a sermon I listen to every year around this time that has the following call to actions when it comes to thankfulness and I thought I’d share them with you. I encourage you to examine the role thankfulness plays in your life and in your walk with the Lord:
- COMMIT – Are we committed to our Father? True commitment recognizes His sovereignty over ALL things and commitment requires trust. My favorite quote from the sermon “God is bigger than our problems.”
- CONDSIDER – We are told in Scripture that “all things come from God”. Take assurance that He desires what is best for us! There is a purpose! We may not see it in the middle of a difficult circumstance but it is there!
- CONDITION – This is a behavioral aspect of our life. We need to condition our hearts and minds so that in the times of turmoil we go up in praise and thanksgiving rather than down in pity and despair-filled living.
We are in a wrong state of mind if we are not in a thankful state of mind.
Charles Spurgeon
Tracy LaBreche
