“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
We should “give thanks in everything” because “this is the will God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” This text just sort of keys in on us and says “BE THANKFUL.” I have to admit that this is a challenge, but I am really working on it because I want to do God’s will for my life, and according to this verse being thankful is part of that. Let’s grab hold of this truth and practice it. What does “everything” mean? It means a whole lot more than I can cover here, but let me share with you my thoughts on it. We should give thanks in the good times. Okay, I feel the “duh’s,” but think about it. Are you really thankful for all of the good times in your life? Do you feel the blessing of the good things from God? God is always blessing us and we need to recognize that and just say “thank you” God for blessing me. No joke! Try it! I just did and it felt good. We should give thanks in the bad times. The first reason for this is that it is “the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I want to clear something up here. Being thankful in bad times does not mean to enjoy the bad times. I have discovered that a time of suffering is not a party time. But it is these moments that try and exercise our faith. As the saying goes, “we will grow bitter, or we will grow better.” In times of suffering God is testing us. I know of a real proficient on suffering by the name of Job. Job did not enjoy all of the suffering that he encountered, but in the final chapters of the book God told him things that he needed to know, and he was better for it. Be thankful for what God can teach you in bad times. We should give thanks for the other Christians in our lives. Now, I have to tell you that every church member that I have been the pastor of has not “risen up and called me blessed.” And I have not risen up and called everyone that I was called t minister to blessed either. But looking back over fifty-seven years of working with churches and hardheaded Baptists – of which I am one – I am thankful for those who challenged me. Some enjoyed the challenge more than others, but thank God for them. Be thankful for all of your Christian friends and thank God for them. Well, I have revisited thankfulness and I hope that it blessed you. Bro. Joe
1 Comment
Linda Brooks
11/10/2017 08:21:01 pm
Thanks for reminding us that there is NOTHING TOO MINUTE for us to be THANKFUL for !
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AuthorDr. Joe Beauchamp is the author of this blog and website. Categories
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