GIVE THANKS

1 Thess 5:16-18
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. –NIV

While on vacation last week in Branson with my family I saw a church marquee that read…We do not need more to be thankful, we need to be more thankful.

What a powerful truth. Paul reminds his readers that being THANKFUL is God’s will for our life. Taking time to reflect and think on God’s blessings, rather than our challenges, pleases our Father and keeps life in proper perspective.

On this week after Thanksgiving I encourage you to intentionally begin this new week being THANKFUL. Before offering up to God any needs, complaints or problems you will have to face this week, first take time to THANK Him for all that you have. Health, family, faith, job, provision, friends…more than that God’s love, His grace, His faithfulness and His promises. Everyone’s list will be different but this I promise it won’t take long to come up with many, many things to be thankful for.

One tradition that my wife had as a child growing up that we have brought into our own family is taking time before the Thanksgiving meal to go around the table having everyone give thanks for something or someone over the past year. It never fails to be a powerful time by intentionally pausing to offer God thanksgiving and appreciation.

Perspective is a powerful thing. Almost every situation can be seen as negative or positive. This year one of the things I was thankful for my mother’s successful chemotherapy and the renewed appreciation it has given many in our family for the simple blessing of life.

I encourage you today…grab a piece of paper, list them out loud or tell a friend about all that you have to be THANKFUL for today. It will lift your spirit, lighten your load and place you smack dab in the center of God’s Will for your life!

Have a great week!

Blessings,
Darren