In everything give thanks

"in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonian 5:18.  

Why is it so hard to be thankful? Why do we spend so much time on our problems.

When you talk to people, complaints are one of the first things that come out of their mouth. People will complain about their finances, their health, their government, the environment, etc.

But so often, they forget about their blessings.

Paul wrote to Christians and said we are to give thanks in everything!

Is that really what we are supposed to do?  In everything?  What about war?  What about earthquakes?  What about death?

For the Christian, the answer is YES.

Now, we need to understand that we are thanking God because of evil, death, or destruction. We are thanking God because we believe that God is in charge and regardless of what it looks like, he is working out his will for our good.

Romans 8:28 says, (again, written to Christians), "All things work together for God for those who love God and are called according to his purposes."

God is in charge!

What joy that brings knowing the God who loves you is working through circumstances, you may not understand, to bring you into glory.

Christian, this is God's will for your life - to give thanks.

When Paul and Silas were imprisoned, after having been beaten and thrown in stocks, they sang and praised God.

They could have easily complained that God wasn't being fair. They were doing God's will and this is what they got.

Instead, they were giving thanks. And the result of this was the jailor and his entire family coming to faith. 

In everything give thanks - why?  The answer lies in the rest of the verse - You are putting your trust in God's will.  

And this-is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  

Christ is still king!

Pastor John

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