The Context of Giving Thanks

First Thessalonians 5:18 commands us to be thankful in everything; it doesn’t say be thankful for everything. There is a distinct difference. When things go wrong, we are to give thanks to God in the midst of the trouble.

Although all your worldly efforts and pursuits may fail and you’re in the worse season of life, you must still praise God for all He has done. You may not be able to praise God for your circumstances, but you can praise God that He is with you in those circumstances.

Job praised God even at the lowest point of his life. King Jehoshaphat was terrified of the approaching enemy. Yet he commanded the people to praise God. God saved Israel.

When you give thanks, you are in God’s will. He puts everything together in His time and His will. Let’s give Him thanks on Thanksgiving and everyday for the way He works in our lives.

SCRIPTURE READINGS
Romans 12:1, Habakkuk 3:17-19; Psalm 28:6-9,
Job 1:21; 2:10; Psalm 103:1-5; Psalm 100

(This is copied from a devotional booklet.)
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I am thankful for so many undeserved blessings:
My salvation is at the top, knowing that someday I will be in Heaven with God forever.

My loving and helpful family: Joe, my Mom Helen, Shaunna, Laurie, Vincent, James, Joshua, Noah, Breaunna, Caitlyn, Gabriella, Madilyn, Krisalyn & Elijah. They are my treasures here on this earth, their value is unmeasurable in my life.

God's amazing love and care for me and my family. Sometimes I think this life is so difficult, but I don't have to look very far at all to see that people all around me are suffering in ways that I cannot even imagine.

What a blessing that Joe, Vincent and James all have jobs and are able to work hard and support their families.

Other than minor illnesses, for all of us, except my Mom, we are blessed with health. And even if God allows some terrible disease to enter one of us, we still know that he would be with us each and every moment, loving us and comforting us.

I could go on for such a long time thanking God for the way he loves me and takes care of me and my family.

God is good, ALL the time.