Give Thanks

Giving thanks always for all things unto God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

(Ephesians 5:20)

Meditation

A good parent will teach their children to always say thank you at the appropriate times. If we have been taught well as children, we will continue to be thankful as adults. When salvation comes to us, Satan continuously tries to distract us from being thankful. He knows, if we keep our focus on Jesus, we will always be grateful. That drives the devil crazy. Jesus has given us the most important gift ever conceived, our salvation. Jesus heals our sick, dead souls and makes it possible for us to live with him forever. How can we not be thankful for that? If it weren’t for the life-giving sacrifice of Jesus, everyone on earth would be spending an eternity in hell.

Everything we have, we’ve been given by God. Every blessing we’ve received comes from the One who loves us more than we know. Our talents and abilities come from God, allowing us to provide for ourselves and our families. Everything in our possession is there because we have been given the means to obtain them. Every person in our lives is there because of God. Our parents, siblings, and children can make our lives a delight. Even the people we think of as a curse, are put there by God to teach us how to trust him in adversity, which calls us closer to him. They are a part of our lives because God has placed them there. Just the fact that he woke us up this morning is reason enough to praise and thank him. For all these reasons, and many more, we should remember to thank God for his provision.

However, we should note the verse says to give thanks for ALL things, not just the good. That means we must endure in thankfulness even through our trials and tribulations. In other words, the bad times as well as the good. Adversities of all kinds are a way for God to test our hearts. Not so he’ll know our reaction, but so the unbelievers around us will see if we’re going to react differently than they would. We all know it’s hard to be thankful to God when we’ve just suffered a loss, but God is faithful to get us through our troubles. We have all lost someone. It may be from the death of a loved one. It may be a betrayal by someone we love and trust. These kinds of tests bring us closer to God if we will keep our trust in him and thank him every day we’re alive.

Prayer Time

Heavenly Father you know all things; you know our hearts and what’s contained there. With as much as you have done to give life to our dead souls, why is it so hard for us to make it a point to say thank you every day? We are so grateful for all you have given us. Our hearts of stone have been made new, and now beat for you, Lord. Our needs are always met when we put our trust in you. Our fears of an uncertain future, and what comes after this life, are laid on the altar of your love and mercy. We thank you for every blessing you have bestowed on us. We’re sorry that in the rush of our everyday lives, we sometimes miss the subtlety of your grace. When we slow down, we will hear your voice in the words of a song, or in the advice spoken to us by a friend, or from the words of a sermon. Help us to always try to hear the voice of your Spirit as it guides us along the righteous path. Most of all, help us to remember to always give thanks. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!