Give Thanks

Monday was Thanksgiving Day in Canada (the second Monday in October).

The preacher at Church on Sunday, who happens to be my husband (super proud of him) cantered his sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

‘In all circumstances’ is different from ‘for all circumstances.’ Essentially the circumstances should not matter when it comes to giving thanks to God. However, if we are to speak honestly, we have been programmed to make them matter. We typically do not give thanks during unfavourable circumstances; however, Paul admonishes to do so even while in these unfavourable circumstances.

This is easier said than done and requires a deliberate and intentional frame of mind. It requires a renewing of the mind until we think like God thinks and not the world.

Romans 12:2 – Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

The will of God for us who are in Christ Jesus is to give thanks in all circumstances, as we see in 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

No matter what is going on in our lives or around us, whether good or not good, there are constant things that we are always to give thanks for. Things that are not dependant on our mood or circumstance and are not affected by the changing seasons of life.

These are some examples of what to anchor our thanksgiving to God on, no matter the circumstances.

1. God’s Unending love.

John 3:16 tells us that God loved us so much, that He sent His one and only beloved son to die for our sin, and He rose again on the third day victorious over sin and death so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but be saved. We also know that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:32 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

So, in all circumstances, we can thank God for His love that saves us, is unchanging and always accessible to us.

2. Being chosen.

God has chosen me for Himself. He has made a conscience decision to want me and choose me above all of creation.

John 15:16 – You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

3. The Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit was not sent on a brief short-term assignment but is ever-present to help us. The Holy Spirit’s help, empowerment and fruit is a constant for us as God’s children. We can depend on the Holy Spirit in all types of circumstances.

John 14:26 – But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Romans 8:26-27 – Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

4. The Word of God.

We live at such a blessed time when the Word of God is readily available in print, on apps, audio versions and has even been translated into so many different languages. I’m personally very grateful for the readily available and unchanging Word of God. One way of showing this gratefulness is to constantly read and meditate on the Word. To not waste the great opportunity that the men and women of old longed for but did not experience.

Colossians 3:16-17 – Let the Word of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.

5. Revelation.

The Lord has revealed Himself to us through His Word.

Deuteronomy 29:29 – The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.
Hebrews 1:1-2 – In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.

Now, because God has esteemed His word highly above everything, He honours it.

Psalm 138:2 – I bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your Name for Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness; You have exalted Your Name and Your Word above all else.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.