Thanks For What?

Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. (I Thessalonians 5:18, Amp.)

It’s so easy to say thanks when all our needs are met, kids are serving the Lord, marriage is heaven on earth, we have more friends than the house could hold for a summer BBQ, and the job is going great. Why is it so hard then to thank God when from out of nowhere, we or a family member gets really sick, or we end up owing on our taxes when we thought we’d get a huge refund, or one of the kids flunk a class.

One reason is we focus on the problem rather than the ‘problem solver’. Being a Christian doesn’t mean we won’t have any more problems in our lives. Jesus forewarned us about that, “In the world we have trials, tribulation, distress and frustration.” Now, if that were where he ended His statement I’d say we are in big trouble. However, he continues, “but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]”

The other reason is we haven’t made it a lifestyle to be thankful as it tells us in our key verse. No matter what the circumstances are – good or bad – we’re to thank God. We’re to have a thankful attitude. Now, let me say we’re not to thank God for the circumstances. Rather, we’re to thank Him for the answer he’s given us in His Word to overcome each and every trial, tribulation, distress and frustration we’re confronted with.

So, starting today, whether or not it’s a good one or not, take time throughout your day to thank God. Don’t know what to thank him for? Start off by thanking Him for Jesus. When you do that, you’ll be doing the will of God and heading in the right direction to victory.