Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT
The last Thursday in the month of November is Thanksgiving Day in America and it’s also a public holiday.
Not many things are worth copying from the United States of America (apologies to my American friends and family). One thing however, that is worth copying, is the annual Thanksgiving celebration. As a UK resident, I really wished our government would covet and adopt this event!
Thankfulness and thanksgiving should be the very essence of our make-up as children of God. If we think deep enough, we will always find a reason to give thanks. We will find a plethora of things we can be thankful for.
As believers, giving thanks is important because Romans 8:28 (NLT) says – “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.”
There are some who might be extremely disappointed that Donald Trump is heading back to the White House. They just cannot see how anything good can come out of his second stint as President of The United States. Some might even be disappointed with God and can’t understand why He would allow someone with so much “baggage” to be President.
Today’s scripture encourages us to be thankful in all circumstances. Whilst this can be challenging and difficult at times, we should however, try and avoid the following habits or dispositions which can stifle thankfulness overflowing from our hearts.
- Doubt: When we doubt the Word of God, we doubt the truth, character, wisdom, sovereign power, and love of God. Doubting connotes that we don’t believe God can do what He says.
- Self-Will: When we are target and goal driven in pursuing our dreams, we can become over-consumed with self and easily forget to be thankful for the things we already have. When we want things done our own way and not God’s way or timing, these can lead to impatience and complaining which can stifle thankfulness. Care should be taken that our self-will is not more important than God’s will.
- A Critical Spirit: A prideful and over-inflated ego can lead us to over analyse everything and be critical of what goes on around us. In this state, we often can’t see or choose not to see any positives and we can become bitter, sour, and negative. This ultimately will quench any desire to be thankful.
Perhaps you are experiencing some challenges right now, and you can’t see how anything good can come out of the situation. Remember, because you’re still alive, believe that you are in God’s perfect plan of salvation, hope, greatness, grace and peace. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
Being thankful and grateful is not for one day in the year, it should be a habit to adopt daily.
So, what are you thankful for today?
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 