In everything, give thanks!

As we round up the year, especially in the Thanksgiving week here in the United States. We get the opportunity to intentionally count and name our blessings one by one!

But what if it seems there are no tangible and physical blessings to be thankful for? We have life, which is a great gift, and we have the greatest honor of being called the children of God- 1 John 3:1.

I asked the boys, What are you thankful for? One answer that stood out to me was, 'I am thankful for Jesus'. Indeed, Acts 3:26 says, “When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

Jesus came first to bless me by turning me away from my sins. I am blessed forever, Glory to God!

Why we should give thanks!

1. Because God is good. “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 107:1

2. It is the will of God. “In everything, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

3. ‭It is a good thing to do! “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High.” Psalms‬ ‭92‬:‭1‬ ‭

4. God desires that we express gratitude; He expects us to do so. See Jesus' response to the one leper who came back to give thanks in Luke 17- “So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?” Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭17‬ ‭

5. We have the nature of God in us, the nature of the new man. This nature thrives in the atmosphere of thanksgiving and rejoicing. Galatians 5:24 reads -those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires, part of which is the unthankful nature.

   
   

   We all have at least one reason to be thankful!- Jesus.