I am genuinely thankful for you. I say that sincerely, because I have the privilege of reading your comments and hearing your hearts. There is something powerful about a community of believers who stay connected in the Spirit, especially in the days we are living in.
Paul wrote, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Many misunderstand this verse. It does not say give thanks for everything, as if God is the architect of every difficulty or disappointment. It says give thanks in everything. That is a very different instruction.
We do not thank God for the storm. We thank God that Jesus is in the boat with us. We thank Him because we are never alone. Whether the trouble came from our own mistakes, from someone else’s mischief, or from the unpredictable forces of nature, the presence of Christ changes the entire equation. He can overrule our foolish choices, restrain the hostility of others, and guide us safely through the most unexpected circumstances. That is why we can give thanks in all things.
The New Living Translation reads, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” Gratitude is the posture that keeps the heart open to the supernatural assistance of heaven.
Scripture also warns us of the danger of ingratitude in the Last Days. Paul wrote that people would be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to parents, and ungrateful. They would consider nothing sacred. Gratitude is not a small virtue. It is a spiritual safeguard in a culture that is growing more hostile, agitated, and easily provoked.
Look around. Many people despise authority. Many despise leadership. They are angry at everything and everyone. It spreads like a virus through society. Ingratitude and misery travel together like two prisoners locked in the same cell. In contrast, every time God breaks someone out of a spiritual prison in Scripture, two companions always show up: gratitude and contentment.
Success gravitates toward the person who is resourceful, and the most resourceful believer is the one who does everything they can do, then looks to God to do what they cannot. If you stay thankful in your situation, you will eventually become thankful for the situation, because once God shows up, everything changes.
Think about the blessings that surround you. The health you enjoy, the provision you have, the people who love you, the peace that guards you. These things are easy to overlook. Do you have a place to sleep, a bed to rest in, a car to drive, food to eat. Half the world lives without these daily comforts. If you traded places with them for even one day, they would be overwhelmed with gratitude for what you already possess.
So let me ask you a simple but profound question. What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?