Give Thanks (1)

1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

A fundamental aspect of Christian living is maintaining a heart of unceasing gratitude. Gratitude goes beyond occasional expressions of thankfulness; it becomes an integral part of our newfound life in Christ as believers.

In Philippians 4:6, Paul instructs:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

While Paul acknowledges the potential distractions posed by life’s challenges and its often harsh realities, he emphasizes that the scriptural response that surpasses all else is Thanksgiving.

We sometimes hurriedly associate thanksgiving with the absence of trials, persecutions, or disappointments. However, this is far from the truth. Thanksgiving springs from a heart that recognizes and appreciates even the seemingly small blessings and is genuinely grateful to God. Grumbling and murmuring are its opposites.

Paul addresses this in Philippians 2:14:

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing.”

Grumbling and murmuring are indications of doubt. They require an unperceptive heart. The appropriate reaction to trying situations, anxiety, and worry is a faith response which includes thanksgiving.

Anxiety is a work of the flesh, so is worry and grumbling. It is very easy to look around and find reasons to justify them, but none of these makes it godly or true.

For today and always, stay joyous and full of thanks. The thankful heart is the heart that trusts God. Always recognize that God is working and irrespective of the curveballs life may throw at you, you have God’s joy in you and can always abound in thanksgiving.

Daily Bible Reading Plan:
Bible Reading – Matthew 1-4

TEACHING OF THE DAY
Let this mind be in you