Work on This!

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Cultivating and maintaining a grateful heart that continues to pulsate with thanksgiving, even in our trails, is a great challenge for the believer. Your circumstances today may be bright. If so, remember that God is your Source and give Him the praise that He deserves. However, if your situation is bleak, God still desires your sincere thanksgiving because He knows the alternative is self-pity, depression, passivity, and possible withdrawal from intimate fellowship with the Savior.

Giving thanks in everything (That does not leave us with many exceptions, does it?) is possible when we understand that every situation, good or evil, is used by our loving Father to further our dependence on Him and make us more like Him. We like control. We dislike anything, or anyone, that disturbs our sense of security. But God is not interested in our ease or comfort. He is determined to conform us to the image of Christ though the inevitable afflictions that accompany life.

Thanking God in the trials may be difficult, but when you do, His purposes and presence will illuminate your path and carry you through.

“Always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God...” Ephesians 5:20