Giving Thanks

1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP

“In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

This is one of the talking points of Paul to the church at Thessalonica on having Christian dynamics. Being thankful, having a grateful attitude is the main idea, having a grateful attitude in the middle of adversity is implied.

It’s easy to have a good attitude when things are going well, when times are good, and we can feel the favor of God on our lives, and we seem to be getting along with people. It’s not so easy to have a great attitude and be thankful to God when we are going through the dark valleys.

James says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4) Basically, James is saying that to get to the good part, we sometimes have to go through the bad part, with the right attitude, because God is working things in us for our good.

When people are going through tough times, and they have a sour attitude, they should not suppose that they are going to come out on top of their situations. People with grateful hearts and attitudes know that when the bad times are over, they will be better off than they were before the trials and the troubles.

This morning, in everything give thanks, even the tough times lead to the good times.

Prayer:

Thank You Lord, for walking with me on the mountain top experiences, and thank You for walking with me through every dark valley, for in the end, it is all for my good. In Your name Lord, help me stand Amen!