1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
With Thanksgiving upon us, it is good to be reminded that we, as believers, are called to be thankful. The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Thess 5:18, “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” One psalm that perhaps could be helpful in guiding us in giving thanksgiving to the Lord is Psalm 136. The psalm opens this way: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endure forever.” The Psalm then goes on to outline numerous causes for praise and thanksgiving.
And Oh how much do we have for which we should be thankful!! For the daily mercies of the Lord, the daily bread and provision, the gift of each new day and each new breath, our husbands, wives, children, parents, and grandparents; for a country where we are free to gather and to worship, for the food that we eat and the water that we drink; for the tender care of our Heavenly Father, the fellowship of the body of Christ, the wise counsel of Christian friends, the forgiveness of sins, the joy inexpressible, peace, hope, and life everlasting that are ours in Christ Jesus. And ultimately, may we be thankful that God has promised to be our God and to take us as his people. May our hearts overflow with thanksgiving to our Creator, King, and Redeemer!!!
“Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of men!” (Ps 107:8)
–Rev. Robert Arendale