1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Throughout scripture we see the command to "give thanks" unto the Lord our God who has been, is and forever will be.
The writer of this text, the Apostle Paul, exhorts us not to give thanks for all things, but "IN" all things, give God thanks. In the good, bad, messy, ugly, painful, joyful, weak, strong, happy or sad times, we are to continue to praise and give God thanks.
I recall a situation I had been in a few years ago as I was studying and preparing for a thanksgiving message that I was going to preach from this same text a few weeks later about giving thanks in all things.
I did not realize at the time that it was God giving me this message for me first. It hit me like a ton of rocks when I realized it. I had to deal with my ungratefulness first before I was able to deliver what God had given me for His people. Talk about a reality check!
This, I believe was one of the most hardest sermons I had to write because I was not feeling thankful based on the situation i was currently in.
As I rant and continued to grumble and complain to the Lord about it for a while I heard this still small voice speak to my mind's heart and said "Debra, stop complaining about what is and thank me for what is not."
That day the Holy Spirit gave me a glimpse of what my situation could have been and from that day forward, I have learned, I said I have learned and am still learning to be thankful "IN" all things and not necessarily for all things because all things that happens to us is not good, BUT, GOD IS GOOD!
Remember, the call is "IN" all things give God thanks.
As hard as it may be to rejoice always, what is our alternative? THINK ABOUT IT!
I pray that today would be the day that WE ALL purpose in our hearts that "IN" all things we will continue to "TELL THE LORD THANK YOU" because it is in those test, sufferings, pain and trials of life where we gain our testimony of God's goodness, God's presence ,God's power and God's provision on our behalf.
Remember! "IN" all things we are to still tell God thank you for He promises to never leave us. God is always there for us leading and guiding us through life by His Holy Spirit with love.
God bless and do tell the Lord thank you "IN" all things.
Debra
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