Dr. David Jeremiah said once, “No matter what our circumstances, we can find a reason to be thankful.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (EXB) 16 Always ·be joyful [rejoice]. 17 Pray ·continually [without ceasing], 18 and give thanks ·whatever happens [in all circumstances; in everything]. That is ·what God wants [God’s will] for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Again (ESV) 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Penned Truth: Giving thanks in all circumstances is challenging, but it serves as a blueprint for the Church to live a blessed life in Christ Jesus.
- How can we give thanks within trials and tribulations?
- How can we rejoice in times of sorrow?
- How can we maintain a posture of prayer and thanksgiving when we are surrounded by chaos and uncertainty?
- Thankfulness Transcends Circumstances
Transcends | King James Bible Dictionary: transcend is defined through its Latin roots as meaning “to climb across” or “go beyond”.
Penned Truth: We can choose to focus on our problems or on our blessings.
Matthew Henry said, “Thanksgiving is good, but thanks-living is better.”
Philippians 4:11-13 (AMP) 11 Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. 12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. 13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
Penned Truth: We can choose to dwell on what is wrong, or we can choose to dwell on what is right.
- Thankfulness is a discipline exercised
- Thankfulness is a blessing
Philippians 4:6–7 (ESV) 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Thankfulness is a transformative power
Billy Graham stated “A spirit of thankfulness is one of the most distinctive marks of a Christian whose heart is attuned to the Lord. Thank God in the midst of trials and every persecution.”
Elisabeth Elliot said something of great importance, “The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.”
Final Statement A life of thanksgiving is important in the church because it acknowledges God as the source of all blessings, strengthens faith, deepens one’s relationship with God, and keeps one’s focus on Him, even during difficult times. This transformative spiritual practice, as mandated by the Bible, fosters peace, joy, and spiritual well-being, reflecting God’s grace to us, the church, and to others.
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