Thanks Blessings and Praise

“In everything give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18a).” This is just a small portion of scripture but with powerful meaning. Expressing appreciation for all of the experiences in life are much easier said than done. In the good and the bad, give thanks. Such a hard pill to swallow in light of the hardships that life brings. From joy to grief, sadness, disappointments, in deprivation and in plenty, in poverty or in wealth, give thanks. Obviously it is easy to say thanks when things meet your expectation and less so when challenges reign. But don’t miss the second part of that scripture “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thessalonians 5:18b).”It’s not about having all of your desires met it is about living to do the will of God. Sounds simple but when you’re experiencing difficulty thanks is the last think on your mind. So how does one thank God for “everything”? It starts with understanding that we are not thankful for evil but we are thankful because we know whatever we are facing we have a loving Father who is there and He is willing and able to deliver us from the harshness life brings. The bible attests to the trials of life we will face and His longing to restore and deliver us (“…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33b)”. We render thanks because it is God’s will but not thanks only but also blessings and praise to our God for His Sovereign care.So, “In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thessalonians 5:18).”