Thanks Giving
Being thankful for somebody who has done something nice may come easy. A stranger holds the door for you say ”Thank you”. Someone passes you the beans, we say “thank you”. Being thankful for circumstances that are favorable for you also comes naturally: You receive a promotion or your whole family comes together for the holidays.
What about when the circumstances are different. When life isn’t going great. When we have reason to not be thankful, but maybe irritated, angry, resentful. Is it ok then, to shrug of the act of ‘thanks giving’ and indulge in negative thoughts or words?
Scripture is clear:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God Phil 4:4
If that wasn’t clear enough then we have:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
It is one thing to be thankful when you’re drinking coffee by a warm fire, but what about when you are in a cold prison cell. This is where Paul found himself while writing those words. Incredible.
This is more than the ‘power of positive thinking’ that was encouraged in the 70s and 80s by some famous preachers. That attitude only works in smaller things. What about in EVERY circumstance, as these scriptures say. What about when cancer is terminal, or you out live loved ones? Then we need more than just a positive attitude. The house of cards called positivity will inevitably fall under the weight of real trials.
The thankfulness of a christian is rooted in a deeper source. This source is the love from God in Christ. This love isn’t theoretical, it’s real. It’s as real as Christ’s death on the cross. His love goes that deep for you and me.
Scripture says that “For the joy set before Him he endured the cross and scorned the shame” (Heb 12:2) What is that joy Christ had? It’s the joy when considering being in relationship with you. This is why we can be thankful in all things. Because no matter what we are going through the reality of God’s unconditional love never changes.
Not only did he love us then on the cross, but he is crazy about you now. His love is forever. The psalmist says this in ps 136 over and over again:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
Psalm 136:1 ESV
“Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
Psalm 136:2 ESV
“Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
Psalm 136:26 ESV
By the time Ps 136 ends he has said, “His steadfast love endures forever” 25 times. I think he meant it.
If you are feeling down, go to this chapter in Psalms and read about God’s love for you. Maybe this year’s Thanksgiving celebration wasn’t all you hoped it would be. Remember: His steadfast love endures forever.
Then let the “peace of God that transcends all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:7
Happy thanks giving.
Blessings and peace,
Rev Todd