Tuesday, November 01, 2011

In EVERYTHING...

...in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (I Thessalonians 5:18).

For years, I took that verse to mean we were to be thankful FOR everything. But that's not what the verse says - it says IN everything. IN every circumstance, IN every situation - good or bad - there are things for which we can give thanks.

Are you having health problems? Financial struggles? Family conflict? Job issues? These things are all part of this world.

But I'm guessing we can think of many things, things we probably take for granted, for which we can give thanks.

Do you have a place to live? Give thanks.
Do you have clothing to wear? Give thanks.
Do you have food enough for yourself and your family? Give thaks.
Do you have friends or family who care for you? Give thanks.
Do you have a church where the Word of God is taught? Give thanks.
Do you have a computer on which you can read this? Give thanks.
Was it raining this morning when you got up? Give thanks.
Was the sun shining this morning when you got up? Give thanks.

We are guaranteed in this life to have struggles and trouble. "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Jesus told us that trials, tribulations, troubles, are all part of this world. But in the midst of them, He also promised His peace. If we have nothing else for which to be thankful, that is more than enough.

Maybe this all seems pretty basic, nothing you haven't heard before. But maybe you're going through a time when life seems a little bleak. Dig into the Word and find all the promises that God has for you, and you will find reason to give thanks.

...be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

Now there's something for which we can give thanks!

Ruth

Ruth Schmidt is on full-time staff at America's Keswick, and grateful to be a daughter of the King.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

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