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Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV
Do we thank God at moments of trials, pain, sorrow, and loneliness? Do we thank Him at moments of agonizing waiting or discipline season? Do we thank Him even at this time of pandemic?If you are just like me, you probably hardly thank Him for these things. Because, realistically speaking, it’s easier to be thankful for glorious, peaceful and successful days rather than for hard ones.
However, though seems hard sometimes, but the Bible tells us to practice otherwise. As Christ’s beloved children, He is teaching and commanding us to be thankful in all circumstances.
“Give THANKS in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
So does it mean that even if we are at our hard season, we still need be thankful?.....
The Bible’s answer is YES. “Giving thanks ALWAYS and FOR EVERYTHING to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus.” (Ephesians 5:20)
It is therefore seen clearly in these verses that Giving Thanks to God is a command. It’s not an option, it’s not a condition, it’s a command – a command that God knows will be helpful for us more importantly.
So how can we be thankful in each circumstance we undergo?
Let’s learn how to handle each and every situation and season in grateful and hopeful ways.
A. DURING TIMES OF WORRIES AND ANXIETIES
Philippians 4:6 (NLT) says “Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done.”So, at these times when we worry a lot about our daily concerns, such as finances, career, relationships, emotions, safety, health, uncertainties or anything more, God says that we should pray about these things before we worry about them.
And as we pray, let’s thank Him in advance for what He is going to do. And let’s thank Him for the things He has already faithfully done for us.
Therefore, we no longer have to feel the worry because He replaces it with PEACE (verse 7).
B. DURING TIMES OF TRIALS AND CHALLENGES
James 1:23 (NLT) says “Dear Brothers and Sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy, for when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”This only means that we should also be thankful during the times of hardships and trials for we know that it increases our ENDURANCE and FAITH. So let’s be thankful still for our trial times.
C. DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES & WAITING SEASON
During times of uncertainties and waiting, let’s thank God! For we know that during this season, He is working miraculous things upon us. He is molding our hearts and characters into a better version of ourselves; He is teaching us to trust Him more beyond our understanding; and He is amazingly preparing us to receive His right gift at His right time. And we know that all these things are for our good.“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)
D. DURING TIMES WE FEEL WE ARE SPIRITUALLY LOST
Still be thankful. For we shall be found by Our God like how He searched for the missing sheep, leaving the 99.E. DURING PEACEFUL & CHEERFUL TIMES
During peaceful and cheerful times, let’s praise God! James 5:13 says, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let Him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let Him praise!”Let’s never forget God and His grace during times when we’re peaceful and happy. After all, we will not be at this point if not because of Him.
F. LASTLY, LET’S THANK GOD FOR JESUS CHRIST
Nothing in this world will ever make sense if not for the sacrifice He has made. If not because of Him, we could be just another lost soul bound to live temporarily in this earth then doomed to hell thereafter. Therefore because of Jesus, we claim the victory on this world and all the aspects of our lives; and, we can claim eternal wonderful worry-free and sin-free life with Him one day.“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
And as we practice a heart of gratitude, we are able to focus our eyes and hearts to Jesus rather than the cares of this world.
So what are we waiting for? Let’s praise Him today and everyday!
Photo by: Jaime Legaspino
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