“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, ESV)
As a pastor, I have had many people ask me one major question. What is the will of God for me. In this they are normally asking for specific direction in life. It is often difficult to give them specific direction since I am not them. About the only thing I can do is give them some help in understanding some methodology for sorting out the answer to this question biblically. Yet there are some things that the Bible clearly states. We see several in this verse.
Paul wrote to the believers in Thessalonica to constantly rejoice, to pray continuously, and to give thanks in all circumstances. The later command, to give thanks, is one which is especially appropriate for us to consider during this holiday, Thanksgiving. As we think about this command today, many might think that they have very little for which to be thankful. I can understand this as it relates to those who have no relationship with our Savior. Their lives are often like a rollercoaster up one moment and down the next. One moment giving thanks and the next expressing great distain.
Yet for us as believers, we have so much for which we must give thanks. First of all, we give thanks for our salvation. We have been given the greatest gift imaginable, that is eternal life. We have something that vast fortunes could not buy, and that tireless effort could not establish. We have a Savior who paid the penalty of our sin. We have been brought into God’s eternal family. We now are citizens of heaven. We have been joined as a royal priesthood. We are heirs to the blessings of heaven. We have been blessed with the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. We have the promise of Jesus’ presence with us always. We have been joined into the body of Christ, the church. We have a unique bond of fellowship the Lord Jesus and with other believers. We have . . . I could go on to list the thousands of promises seen in God’s word, but time will not permit. During this holiday, let us all consider the blessings that are ours because of what God has done for us and give thanks to Him.
I am very thankful that He has called me to salvation and to serve Him. And this service for Him was not of my own doing. He equipped me and worked in me by His grace. I am grateful that I have no room to boast in myself for it is He who has made all things possible.
This week I have not been able to give a daily post due to various family activities associated with the holiday. I am grateful for all of you, my friends, who have encouraged me to send out these posts. I hope all of you have a great and blessed Thanksgiving.
Renewing the Heart 