Give Thanks

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
 
One of my favorite stories about Thanksgiving is not about the holiday. It is about the attitude that birthed the holiday.
 
When I was a child, I heard a story about Matthew Henry (1662-1714). He was a British preacher and the author of my father’s favorite commentaries on the Bible. While walking, he was attacked by a thief who stole his wallet. Rather than allowing bitterness, he chose to obey God’s command to give thanks in all circumstances. He recorded in his diary:
 
“Let me be thankful, first, because he never robbed me before; second, because although he took my purse, he did not take my life; third, because although he took all I possessed, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.”
 
I still remember the morning I heard those words as part of my devotions. As a teenager I was not always prone to giving thanks when confronted with things I did not like. Yet the example of Henry’s obedience to bring every thought captive to the Lordship of Christ struck me with conviction.
 
Jesus commands us to “rejoice and be glad” when people insult us, persecute us, and slander us because of him (Matthew 5:11 & 12). The apostles rejoiced, “because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name” (Acts 5:41).
 
I don’t appreciate it when I have to suffer painful consequences for my own mistakes. Learning to rejoice when suffering for doing the right thing is a whole different level of maturity. Yet, this is not supposed to be the exception, God calls us and empowers us to grow in our understanding and obedience.
 
If all of this came automatically the Bible would not need to tell us over and over that we need to cultivate such an attitude. If living a life of gratitude and thanksgiving was not possible then it would not be repeatedly commanded.
 
Romans 1:18-21 makes it clear that the failure to be grateful for what we have is a horrible offense against the God who graciously supplies what we need (Acts 17:24 & 25, James 1:17). When we understand our true circumstances we are amazed at the mercy and grace which we are shown every day.  
 
Our changeable feelings are often out of alignment with the truths we know. Our feelings are real but the truth is eternal. Our behavior must be based on the truth.
 
Tomorrow’s holiday provides an opportunity for us to act on what we know. Giving thanks to God for the food we eat, for the people we know, for the memories of God’s faithfulness, is an act of worship. Remembering the love of God which caused him to send Jesus as the payment for our sins and the one who conquered death for us will make each meal and each moment an occasion for praise.
 
I pray that whatever challenges you face, you will lift your eyes to heaven and thank the God who loves you for his mercy and grace. And while you are praying, please pray for us. We are praying for you.