IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS

IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS

I could have written about the etiquette of hosting a dinner or how to be a gracious guest this Thanksgiving but the holiday holds deeper meaning to me than just a day of family, friends, food, and football. (Yes, my husband's favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys play every year on this day and just happen to kick off right when dinner is about to be served!)  I am greatly blessed to have a close family that actually looks forward to spending the day together and this year I am especially grateful my youngest brother who will be a part of the festivities after 12 years living away in Mississippi.


I ask the questions,"What are we giving thanks for and who are we thanking?"  Are we giving thanks for the people in our lives, material possessions, or good health?  What if we are lacking in all these?  For some, it could be a year of job loss, home foreclosure, or the diagnois of a terminal illness. So maybe this day forces us to pause and realize the abundance compared to others and yet where are we directing thankfulness? 


The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "...in everything give thanks..."  EVERYTHING, no exclusions, blessings and difficulties. The verse continues with "for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."  Is this for real???  It is God's will for us to give thanks even for the difficulties!


A believer in the mercies and grace of Jesus Christ has the ability to give thanks knowing there is a beneficial purpose in the struggles of life.  James 1:2 says to "count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be complete lacking in nothing."  The Bible teaches us spiritual maturity is the fruit of trial.  We can take joy in the fact that God is causing transformation in our heart and life.


In Romans 8:28 Paul states,"And we know all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."  This does not support that all things are good and tragedy will not happen but God promises to overrule and use circumstances caused by a sinful world to accomplish His eternal purposes in the lives of those who love Him and who have responded to His call.


We are assured that He is the strength that supports, the comfort that calms, the peace beyond understanding, and the hope amidst uncertainty.  I have much to be thankful according to the standards of this world - grand house, sporty cat, loyal friends, aand loving family.  But Thanksgiving for me has a more profound significance that pales compared to the temporal offerings of this life.


I am thankful that there exists no struggle in this life that will separate me from the love of God.  Love that stretched out it's arms on a cross and died for my my sin and failure procuring for me a new identity and potential in this earthly life and assuring my eternal destiny will someday be heaven. 


This Thanksgiving in "everything" I will give thanks.