“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Dear Ones:
In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he writes concerning those who refuse to see the attributes of God in creation: “…when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, NEITHER WERE THANKFUL.” (Rom. 1:21) Why does he mention thankfulness, or rather the lack of it, as an evidence of unbelief? It is simply because thankfulness is the response of recognizing a “gift” being received, and also, and primarily, the “Giver” of that gift. Sadly, our vision of life, and that which is around us, is often minimized by the culture and thinking of our times. We dwell on the morbid, the negative, the wrongs and injustices that permeate our society, at the expense of looking upward, and seeking to see things from God’s standpoint. As long as we are on this earth, we shall have to deal with the effects and consequences of sin, sorrow and suffering. However, God gives us a commandment for our good, and His glory, in the midst of this world. He says: “In everything give thanks, for THIS is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” How can the Apostle write such a thing, as immediately there are opposing thoughts that rise up in our minds and hearts?
First of all, though this letter to the Thessalonians is written to believers in Christ, yet, the whole world is called to look up, recognize the presence and existence of a Benevolent God, who has given “good gifts,” and consequently, all things good and richly to enjoy. The thankful person is one who “receives” that which is good, and recognizes the Giver. In this case, God. However, Christ takes us beyond that which the unbelieving world might recognize, and respond to with thankfulness. There often arises in the life and path of the believer in Christ that which is NOT desirable, unwanted, even causing suffering. How are we to live and respond with thankful hearts to God for even the hard or difficult thing? It is by faith in a Faithful God, who IS love, and who never makes mistakes. Paul writes later in the book of Romans: “And we KNOW that ALL things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” (Rom. 8:28) The true believer has surrendered all that pertains to his life and existence to a Faithful Creator and Lord. From that moment, there is nothing that comes to the believer that doesn’t pass through the hands of a God who IS love, and wisdom. His purpose for us all remains settled and resolute, to conform us into the image of His Son, and this He will do, as we trust and believe Him. One way that this attitude of faith is demonstrated in Him, is by giving thanks constantly to Him, for whom nothing is impossible, and every need can be met. The thankful person is one who is living by faith, not moved by the difficult thing, but rejoicing in the One who will never forsake him, and always be with him, providing all in every way. This is truly a wonderful subject and reason for giving thanks always.
Dear Father, strengthen our hearts to be truly thankful in any and every circumstance, knowing that You are with us, and will meet us in every way. We praise Thee for the supreme give of Thy Son, and the consequent “good gifts” of life. Enable us to honor and glorify Thee by ever being thankful, always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad