In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Giving thanks in everything is God’s will for YOU! For YOU. (And me.)
Reread that verse inserting your name!
Kristin is to give thanks in everything. [Your name] is to give thanks in everything.
“Everything” means all the time and everywhere. In good times and bad. In sickness and in health.
We need an “attitude of gratitude.” “A worldview of gratitude.” “A disposition of our hearts.” “A habit of life.”
Gratitude is a command; Obeying is love
We are commanded to give thanks in everything, and all God’s commands are meant for our good. Obedience always brings blessing.
Obeying God’s commands shows we love Him.
If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. (John 14:15)
Gratitude requires trust in God.
It’s easy to be thankful when we receive what we see as good things. Being thankful when bad times come requires that we trust our almighty, loving God.
Something may not look good, but through God’s incredible, holy providence, God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Even though we may not be able to imagine how something could be good, God is good. And He is God (and we are not).
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8–9)
We have every reason to be grateful for whatever He brings or allows into our lives.
Gratitude is service to God
By gratitude … we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe. (Hebrews 12:28)
Gratitude to God is praise and worship.
He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me. (Psalm 50:23)
I will praise the name of God with song and magnify Him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 69:30)
Intentionally decide to be grateful, out of obedience and love.
Let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. (Hebrews 13:15)
Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100:4–5)
Praise God!
