1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I know that Sometimes the circumstances of our lives are not always the best. In fact, they may be downright bad. But still, we are told to look for Something to be thankful for! Remember that old song Count your blessing when your feeling blue, it’s surprising what a little bit of counting will do. Count them when everything goes wrong, soon you will find yourself singing a song…
Let me encourage you today…give thanks in all circumstances! Someone once wrote “I used to think people complained because they had a lot of problems. But I have come to realize that they have problems because they complain”. Complaining doesn’t make situations any better; in fact it often makes things worse. Giving thanks is God’s will for our lives. It is what pleases the Lord.
Whenever you think life is unfair, stop and think again. You could be a Turkey on Thanksgiving! Instead of thinking about how little you have, stop to count what you do have and give thanks!
~ I’m Thankful…for the taxes I pay:
Because that means I’m Employed.
~ I’m Thankful for the Clothes that fit a little too snug:
Because that means I’m Employed.
~ I’m Thankful for the Clothes that fit a little too snug:
Because that means I have enough to eat.
~ I’m Thankful for the lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing: Because that means I have a home.
~ I’m Thankful for my heating bill:
Because that means I’m warm.
~ I’m Thankful for the lady behind me in church who sings off key:
Because that means I can hear.
~ I’m Thankful for the alarm that goes off early each morning:
Because that means I’m alive.
~ I’m Thankful for the lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing: Because that means I have a home.
~ I’m Thankful for my heating bill:
Because that means I’m warm.
~ I’m Thankful for the lady behind me in church who sings off key:
Because that means I can hear.
~ I’m Thankful for the alarm that goes off early each morning:
Because that means I’m alive.
Add It Up….Count Your Blessings!
Here let me give you what should be the basis of our Thanksgiving:
Psalm 100:1-5 1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.3 Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. 5 For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100:1-5 1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.3 Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. 5 For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Now, who this is addressed to? V.1 “all the earth,” / V.5 “all generations.”
In other words, this emphasis of thanksgiving is so important that it applies to every person of every generation who has ever lived!
And what is the emphasis?
And what is the emphasis?
V.1 “the Lord” / V.2 “the Lord” / V.3 “the Lord” / V.4&5 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. 5 For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. The basis for thanksgiving should always be—The LORD!
The author of “Roots,” had a picture hanging on his office wall. It was a picture of a turtle on top of a fence post. When asked, “Why is that there?” He Answered, “Every time I write something significant, every tsime I read my words and think they are so wonderful, and I begin to feel proud of myself, I look down at the turtle on top of the fence post and remember that he didn’t get there on his own…He had help.”
Where would we be today without the help of the Lord? Without the goodness of the Lord? Without the love of the Lord? Without the faithfulness of the Lord? Without the grace of the Lord?
In case you need help, here are some reasons to give thanks to the Lord:
1. Because He is a good God! Psalm 106:1 1 Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; His love endures forever.
2. Because of His unfailing love! Psalm 107:8 8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind,
3. Because He has answered my prayers! Psalm 118:21 21 I will give You thanks, for You answered me; You have become my salvation.
4. Because He’s given me a home in Heaven! Hebrews 12:28 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,
5. And most of all, I am Thankful to God for the gift of salvation! 2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Take time out today, on thanksgiving, and on everyday, to give the rightful thanks to God. He deserves it! In fact, I would challenge you to write a list of all the blessing you do have in life. This will force you to contemplate each thing.
Maybe you need some inspiration. Well, here is a list that several housewives compiled.
We Are Especially Thankful For:
5. "Automatic dishwashers:Because they make it possible for us to get out of the kitchen before the family comes back in for their after-dinner snacks.
4. For husbands who attack small repair jobs around the house:
4. For husbands who attack small repair jobs around the house:
Because they usually make them big enough to call in the professionals.
3. For Smoke Alarms:Because they let you know when the Turkey’s done.
2. For TeenagersBecause they give parents an opportunity to learn a second language.
3. For Smoke Alarms:Because they let you know when the Turkey’s done.
2. For TeenagersBecause they give parents an opportunity to learn a second language.
1. For children who put away their things & clean up after themselves.They’re such a joy. You really hate to see them go home to their own parents!
Now your list might be a little different (hopefully) than that. But I’m convinced that if you would just begin to make a list, you will find that you have much more to be thankful for than you realize.
Look around, add it up & write it down!
We Have So Much To Be Thankful For!
It's time to move from the poor me mentality...
...to the thank you Jesus reality!
Now, let me give you one last thing to think about. Romans 1:21 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Here are some more thanksgiving passages to look up for homework:
Have a wonderful & blessed Thanksgiving!
~ Matt
P.S. You can even be thankful for Mac & Cheese!
P.S. You can even be thankful for Mac & Cheese!
