Give Thanks

1 Thessalonians 5:18 reads “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Many countries set aside a special day each year for thanksgiving; but for the Christian every day should be a day for thanksgiving.

Thank God for Salvation. God has given us the greatest gift of all – His Son – who died on the cross and rose again so that we can know Him personally and spend eternity with Him in heaven. The Bible tells us that we are separated from God because we have sinned. Romans 3:23 reads “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” He loves us so much that He sent His only Son into the world to die for our sins. John 3:16 reads “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” How long has it been since you thanked God for your salvation?

Thank God for People. It is so easy to take people for granted, or even complain and become angry because they do not meet our every wish. But we should give thanks for those around us – our spouse, our children, our relatives, our friends and others who help us along the way. Paul began his first letter to the church in Corinth by saying “I thank my God always on your behalf” (1 Corinthians 1:4). Do you let others know that you appreciate them and are thankful for them?

Thank God for Blessings. We never seem to be satisfied with what we have – rich or poor, healthy or sick. But what a difference it makes when we realize that every thing we have has been given to us by God. King David prays in 1 Chronicles 29:12-14 “Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” Are you constantly preoccupied with what you do not have? Or have you learned to thank God for what you do have?

Thank God for Trials. In the midst of our trials, we can thank God because we know that He has promised to be with us and that He will strengthen us. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 reads “ And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” I don’t know what trials you are facing right now, but God does, and He loves you and will give you His strength in the midst of trials.

In closing, let us remember to give thanks always. Ephesians 5:20 reads “Giving thanks always for all things unto the God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”