Thanksgiving

As I reflect back over the last year or two, I’ve increased in my level of thanksgiving and have been more aware of the importance of maintaining a grateful heart no matter what comes my way. The Bible says, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV). Notice that thanksgiving should be a constant thing in the lives of Christians and it is the will of God for our lives. Also, to clarify, this verse is not saying give thanks for everything but in everything give thanks. For example, you should not be thankful for sickness or anything the enemy brings into your life which is all tied to death, but instead you should maintain a spirit of thanksgiving in the midst of any circumstance.

It’s easy to give thanks in the good times, but it is just as important to give thanks in the not so good times. Some of you may be wondering why should I give thanks in the midst of setbacks. Well, when you know the truth (which is the Word of God), then you know that things in the natural are subject to change or are temporary (II Corinthians 4:18 NKJV). You know that you can still rejoice in the midst of trying times because God is with you and has already made a way of escape. You’ve tasted and seen God’s goodness in your life (Psalms 34:8 NKJV) and know that if He did it before, then He can do it again (and is willing). You know that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8 NKJV). Getting the Word of God in your heart (not just a head knowledge) causes you to see things differently. You can rejoice and give thanks knowing that God is fighting for you (He’s on your side!) and is working all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28 NKJV). Not only is thanksgiving a source of strength, but also thanksgiving silences the enemy. When you start magnifying God and reflecting on his grace and goodness, the things of the world and any setback you face becomes so small.

Knowing God is the reason why I can live everyday with gratitude for all the things He has done, is doing, and will manifest in my life. I encourage you today to let God’s peace rule in your hearts through thanksgiving. Having a spirit of thanksgiving opens the door for God to have His way in your life. Don’t let the enemy silence you by griping and complaining. Let your thanksgiving be God-based not event-based.