It's easy for people to be naturally happy on occasions such as Thanksgiving and other holidays. But a Christians' joy is not dependent on any circumstance, but on what Christ has done for us.
Paul admonished the Thessalonian church to be thankful. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV): "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
What a tall order that can be. It's easy to be thankful during good times. But the Word says give thanks in all circumstances. No matter where you are at in life, give thanks to God.
If you are on top, give thanks.
If you are in the middle, give thanks.
If you are on the bottom, give thanks.
When you have money, give thanks.
When you don't have a dime, give thanks.
When you feel great, give thanks.
When you don't feel so good, give thanks.
When the car is running smoothly, give thanks.
When the car is broke down, give thanks.
When you can afford filet mignon, give thanks.
When you can only afford a taco, give thanks.
In all circumstances, give thanks by taking the time to count your blessings. Remember what God has done for you.
Be content in whatever circumstance you are in. Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV): "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
To give thanks in all circumstances is not something that Paul desired, but it is the will of God for the church. God's will is for His people to be thankful in whatever circumstance they are in.
As you celebrate Thanksgiving this year, thank God for the many blessings that you have received. Also, remember those who are less fortunate than you and keep them in your prayers. My heart goes out to the people of Darfur who have been killed, raped, and displaced from their homes. Click here to include Darfur in your Thanksgiving celebration and to learn more about what's happening there.
Paul admonished the Thessalonian church to be thankful. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV): "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
What a tall order that can be. It's easy to be thankful during good times. But the Word says give thanks in all circumstances. No matter where you are at in life, give thanks to God.
If you are on top, give thanks.
If you are in the middle, give thanks.
If you are on the bottom, give thanks.
When you have money, give thanks.
When you don't have a dime, give thanks.
When you feel great, give thanks.
When you don't feel so good, give thanks.
When the car is running smoothly, give thanks.
When the car is broke down, give thanks.
When you can afford filet mignon, give thanks.
When you can only afford a taco, give thanks.
In all circumstances, give thanks by taking the time to count your blessings. Remember what God has done for you.
Be content in whatever circumstance you are in. Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV): "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
To give thanks in all circumstances is not something that Paul desired, but it is the will of God for the church. God's will is for His people to be thankful in whatever circumstance they are in.
As you celebrate Thanksgiving this year, thank God for the many blessings that you have received. Also, remember those who are less fortunate than you and keep them in your prayers. My heart goes out to the people of Darfur who have been killed, raped, and displaced from their homes. Click here to include Darfur in your Thanksgiving celebration and to learn more about what's happening there.
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