"In Everything Give Thanks!"

I Thessalonians 5:18

Thanksgiving is a most blessed employment for the heart. Our Lord Jesus Christ, as a man, showed us that men ought to give thanks to God (Matt. 11:25; 26:27; John 11:41). The heavenly hosts are constantly engaged in this holy employment (Rev. 4:9; 7:11-12; 11:16-17). Thanksgiving is our duty (Psa. 50:14). We are to give thanks to God in everything, "For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (I Thess. 5:18). Whatever comes to pass in the life of the believer is God's will; and it is the will of God that his people be thankful. Thanksgiving should be offered to God before we take our meals (John 6:11), in public worship (Psa. 35:18), in private worship (Dan. 6:10), upon the completion of any work done in his name, for his glory and his people (Neh. 12:31, 40), always (Eph. 5:20). However, to the grateful, believing heart, thanksgiving is much more than the performance of a duty; it is the joyful expression of our praise and gratitude to our heavenly Father for Christ, the grace we have received, the providence we experience, and the blessings we anticipate in him (II Cor. 9:15).

Sometimes, through unbelief, our hearts become so overwhelmed with our trying circumstances that we become filled with self-pity and think, "What do I have to be thankful for?" When that base thought crosses your mind, turn to the Book of God and be reminded that you have much for which to give thanks to God if you are a sinner saved by grace!

- His Salvation (Rom. 7:23-25)!

- The Gospel Ministry (Isa. 52:7; II Cor. 1:11)!

- The Lord's Presence (Psa. 75:1)!

- God's Immutability and Faithfulness (Mal. 3:6; II Tim. 2:19)!

- Your Daily Provisions (I Tim. 4:3-4)!

- Daily Wisdom and Grace (dan. 2:23)!

- The Triumph of the Gospel (II Cor. 2:14)!

- The Conversion and Faith of Others (II Thess.1:3)!

- The Love of Your Brethren (II Thess. 1:3)!

- Victory over Death and the Grave (I Cor. 15:57)!

- The Sovereign Dominion of Christ (Rev. 11:17)!

"In everything give thanks!" "All things are yours...and ye are Christ's" (I Cor. 3:21-23). We are "enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God" (II Cor. 9:11).

Don Fortner