It's another great day to give thanks. This week gives us a great opportunity to reflect on the good things in our lives. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks. Nine words with such great power. Yet, they provide us with such a great challenge. Let me be honest; I've got the pray without ceasing down pretty well. So that leaves me with, hmmmmmm, the other two.
As born-again, Spirit-filled, Bible-believing, power-operating believers, our lives should be marked with these things. No matter what is going on in our lives, we should be rejoicing. In the Amplified, its says, "Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always)..." If we can find nothing else to rejoice and be happy about, we can at least be happy about our faith! We are no longer sinners condemned to death and suffering for eternity, but we are saints redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, destined for an eternity without pain, suffering, shame, disappointment, death, or lack. Surely we can always rejoice about that! Besides, if we are all honest, there are at least a handful of things in our lives that we can be happy about even if it seems like life has left us behind.
"Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks]..." You know what I like about this scripture? It tells me to be thankful in everything not for everything. That's good for me because I am not thankful for everything that comes my way. Sure, I know all the religious stuff about it makes us stronger and it produces perseverance and patience. I get all of that, and I understand it's importance. BUT, I'm still not thankful for everything I have to go through. I can, however, learn to be thankful in everything. Our thanksgiving should not be determined by our circumstances or situations. Just as our rejoicing, we can always find something for which to be thankful. Again, if you cannot find one thing to be thankful for, you can always be thankful for your redemption and salvation through Christ Jesus that does not leave us without hope.
There is much power in thanksgiving. God is looking for people who never forget what He has already done for them. Thanksgiving isn't just saying, "Thanks!" but it is a heart attitude. "For out of the fullness (the overflow, the superabundance) of the heart the mouth speaks." When we are truly thankful for the Lord and what He has done for us, we can't help but give Him thanks! On the other hand, we can say, "thank you," but it will not be productive or genuine until our hearts are overflowing with thanksgiving.
Time and time again I see in professional sports a popular athlete fall out of favor with the fans and the management. Although this player has been productive for years for their team, their productivity begins to drop. Before long, many are bad-mouthing the player and talking about everything they are not doing for the team. Then it's not too long, and the player is generally traded or released. My husband always says it's not what have you done for the team but what have you done for the team lately. I've found that many Christians are like this with the Lord. We are quick to forget about the immense benefits to our salvation today and forever, and we are constantly nagging God with what have you done for me lately.
We must repent of this heart attitude, examine our hearts, and renew our minds! The Lord has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness. We must walk in the inheritance we have in Him, trust Him that He knows what's best for us and when it's best, and in everything give thanks!
Scriptures for reference and study: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Matthew 12:34; 2 Peter 1:3
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