Summer has passed, and fall is fading away. Winter is just around the corner. Many people experience frustration and disappointment during this time of year. Here are some observations to encourage thankfulness in this season.
"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)
When we give thanks in everything, we bring pleasure to God's heart. Satan is defeated when we have a thankful heart, because thankfulness is a sacrifice pleasing to God. Are you thankful?
- Are you thankful for your present circumstances?
- Are you thankful for your salvation, your friendships, and your job?
- Are you thankful for the way God made you?
Thankfulness is the Key to Your Life
Thankfulness is the key that turns your situation around because it changes you and your attitude. There is power in a thankful heart. Thanksgiving brings contentment. An attitude of thanksgiving accepts and embraces God's will. Discontentment dries up the soul.
Look at what Elisabeth Elliott, who lost her husband on the mission field and faced multitudes of hardships, says about loving God's will and being content:
Look at what Elisabeth Elliott, who lost her husband on the mission field and faced multitudes of hardships, says about loving God's will and being content:
"To love God is to love His will. It is to wait quietly for life to be measured by one who knows us through and through. It is to be content with His timing and His wise apportionment. It is to follow in the steps of the Master, as did Paul, who was able to say that he had learned contentment no matter what the circumstances. Paul was in prison when he wrote, 'But godliness with contentment is great gain.'" 1 Timothy 6:6 (NKJV)
— Elisabeth Elliott
— Elisabeth Elliott
Look at the Example of Jesus
Jesus followed the will of His Father to the very end. He obeyed without complaint. In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul tells us to have that same attitude. Jesus made Himself nothing and took on the very nature of a servant. He humbled Himself and became obedient to death. We are also called to have this same attitude of humble and thankful acceptance of God's will for our lives. Jesus embraced hardship without complaint.
This is a Lesson for All of Us
Learning to be people of praise and thanksgiving to God all the days of our lives would be a great accomplishment. There is great happiness in thanksgiving. David writes in Psalm 116:17, "I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord."
How to Practice Thankfulness
Let each of us seek to have an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving, and rise to a new level of holiness. Here are some ways to practice this attitude in everyday life:
"By Him (Jesus) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name."
— Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV)
- Thank and praise God for everything in your life. Thank Him even for the difficulties. It is a sacrifice to do this, but He can turn troubles into triumph.
"By Him (Jesus) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name."
— Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV)
- Don’t allow yourself to complain about things. (Philippians 2:14-15)
- Don’t compare yourself with others. (Galatians 6:4)
- Don’t quit working for God. (Galatians 6:9)
God smiles when we praise and thank Him continually. Few things feel better than receiving heartfelt praise and appreciation from someone else. God loves it, too. An amazing thing happens when we offer praise and thanksgiving to God: when we give Him enjoyment, our own hearts are filled with joy.
— William Law
— William Law
Posted in Pastors Page