
His thankfulness truly honored God! And he reminds us to do the same: “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, that he “gloried in tribulations”-he welcomed them! …Because he was convinced of what abiding in a living faith towards God would produce in his life-something eternal! He had partaken of a faith wherein he could “rejoice always” and give thanks in everything, even those things which were not only unpleasant but also seemingly unbearable. And when situations went against him-as they so often do for us-he saw his tendency to complain or even be vengeful, but the grace he had received through his faith in Christ Jesus made it possible for him to hate those negative things which he saw in himself, and something new and eternal and heavenly was manifest in its place.


He had a living interest in finding those aspects of his nature which would not fit into the kingdom of heaven-that place for which his heart longed. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) How could he be thankful in everything, in imprisonments, in beatings, in, really, all kinds of adversity that most people would find tragic and unbearable? It is because Paul was a “pilgrim” of a different sort, one who trusted God to take care of him in the very best way (Romans 8:28) while he himself sought “those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1.įaith makes it possible to “rejoice always” Paul the apostle had a very different way of responding to things. The holiday has its roots in giving heartfelt thanks to God for His blessings, but did you know that during America’s early history there were several government-sanctioned thanksgiving days? One particularly interesting fact about those first observances is that a Thanksgiving Day was only celebrated when the settlers had received favorable circumstances, such as military victory or the end of a drought- but not if these things were lacking. It was the first “Thanksgiving Day.” Trusting God creates thankfulness After their safe arrival in the New World, and a somewhat peaceful coexistence with the native peoples, they celebrated by enjoying a bountiful feast together. ( 1 Thessalonians 5:18) Being unthankful is the very essence of the unregenerate heart. In American schools, children learn about the pilgrims who left their homeland and all that was dear to them, to sail to America. in everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. It is a day off of work and school, a day for thankful reflection. The reds and golds of autumn’s leaves will be on display signalling the end of the year’s harvest, farmers’ fields will lie plowed to be left fallow over the coming winter, and many a home will be filled with the delectable aroma of roast turkey and pumpkin and apple pies. Whether you’ve encountered every bump on the road today or you’ve had a good day filled with blessings, make sure to take the time to pray before bed and thank Him for His love and blessings.Paul the apostle wrote the words, “In everything give thanks.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) How was he able to be thankful in everything?Įvery November Americans gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. If you need a reminder or some inspiration for giving thanks to the Lord, these Bible verses about being grateful can help strengthen your faith. Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name. We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 1 Chronicles 29:13. To honor what he has given us, we may pray daily. in everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. His love, presence, inspiration, and influence are the reasons we have what we have. But, it's important to remember to be thankful for our health, well-being, gifts (material and not), and everything else in between.įor people of faith including Christians, positive blessings come from God. Or, if you're in a positive space, you might still forget to give thanks to God because you're too busy enjoying life. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. We get so wrapped up in our lives - hardships, challenges, struggles and all - that it's easy to get lost in a sea of doom if you're in a negative place.

It can be easier to take what life (and God) gives you on a daily basis if you read Bible verses about thankfulness. We know the power of being grateful, but sometimes it's hard to remember to give thanks.
