November is a month where people tend to list the things they are thankful for, (it’s
probably because of that one big holiday called “Thanksgiving”). Some even will list
something each and every day on Facebook (which is not something you will find me doing).
Don’t get me wrong, it is good to be thankful, and I am thankful for many different things …
I just don’t need the whole Facebook world to know it. Besides, a lot of times the things
listed after family and friends are all material things which will eventually break and get
replaced.
Please don’t take me as being the Scrooge or the Grinch of Thanksgiving, it is good to
be thankful. The Bible even tells us that. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “give thanks in all
circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Wait a second! Look at the verse again! Did you notice what that verse says? “Give
thanks in ALL circumstances.” So … does this mean I have to give thanks in those times
when life isn’t going like I planned it or when something bad happens? Hate to be the
bearer of bad news but … yes, that is exactly what it means. We all know that bad things
are going to happen. People will get sick, things will break or be stolen, feelings will be hurt
by those we call our friends, and relationships are going to go through tough times and
may even lead to a break-up. It may be hard to see these as times to give thanks. But they
are. And here’s why …
Notice that bold, underlined before the word all? What is it? It’s the word in. We are
told to give thanks in all circumstances, not for all circumstances. The evil, the bad things of
life do not come from God. Those are a result of sin being in the world. This is why we are
not thankful for all circumstances. We are thankful in all circumstances because no matter
what we are facing in life … God is still in control and God’s presence is still with you. This
means that His love, His mercy, His grace, His compassion, and all the other wonderful
things God is and does are still with you. They are with you because you are His dearly
loved child. And to prove that, God sent Jesus, His only Son, so that anyone who believes in
Him may have eternal life.
So, in this month of reflection on what it is we are thankful for … the thing I’m most
thankful for is this … the precious blood shed by Jesus and His victorious resurrection! For it
is through this that you are claimed as one of His dear children. I’m thankful that God
continues to go with you wherever it is that you go. It is my constant prayer that no matter
what you experience in your life, that you remember that He is there with you and that can
you lean on Him all the time. From Mrs. Preacher and I to you and yours, may you have a
blessed, happy, and thankful Thanksgiving!
Pastor Tim
Dec 01