(1st Thes 5:16-18 NIV) Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Many of us are so busy, our schedules are so packed, our email inboxes are so full, and our to-do lists are so long that we constantly feel like we have more task than time. The overwhelming pace of our society has caused many of us to run through days, weeks, months, and even years without slowing down long enough to realize how blessed we truly are. Last year at this time I was in Baghdad, Iraq and my wife was in Tikrit, Iraq. Our kids were with my sister and while we were still thankful, we longed to be back together as a family. This year we are all under the same roof, looking forward to tomorrow when our home will be full of food, family, friends, and fellowship. And while I will enjoy the food – believe me, I am looking forward to it – I know that Thanksgiving, for the believers, should be bigger food. Thanksgiving is an attitude. Thanksgiving is a lifestyle. When you have a thankful heart every day becomes a day of Thanksgiving!
In Paul’s first letter to the church in Thessalonica he taught about living a life that is pleasing to God. In his closing remarks he said, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” What was Paul saying? What was He teaching us? I believe Paul was telling us that the secret to living a life that is pleasing to God is to maintain your joy, to keep an active prayer life, and to GIVE THANKS to God IN all circumstances. Notice that he said “IN” all circumstances and not “FOR” all circumstances. If we are honest we must acknowledge the fact that everything that happens to us is NOT good and we DON’T always like everything we face. But Paul’s point is that we should trust God enough to believe that at the-end-of-the-day we will still come out on top. I may not always be able to Thank Him FOR IT, but I can still thank Him IN IT. This attitude of gratitude is what gives me a thankful heart and I pray you develop the same!
A Thankful Heart from Rick Pina on Vimeo.
1 comment
This teaching is a particularly good teaching because there are people who don’t understand that ‘Thanksgiving’ is a concept and not merely a day to have some turkey. Some people think that Thanksgiving is for thanking people for being around and being friendly. There is no deep part of us that should make us be Thankful to God for His grace and His mercy. Thanks for being obedient to the Father and teaching us concerning having a thankful heart.