Do you have trouble being thankful? I do too. Yet, I have
come to realize that God is in the praises of His people as Psalm 22:3 tells
us. This psalm depicting Christ’s crucifixion is full of darkness of the
thoughts of God forsaking us as Jesus said from the cross. But we trust in the
One who can deliver and rescue us from the grave or at least troubles now and
soon. But why thanks?
Scripture is full of
thanksgiving and praises, even in trouble and trials. Why is that? Why does 1
Thessalonians 5:16-18 say, “Be joyful always; pray continuously; give
thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God for you in Christ
Jesus.” It almost seems absurd and it is in worldly terms. Here we
don’t expect trouble or at least we can run or buy our way out from it. But God
wants us to rejoice and give thanks and not to forget to pray, as prayer is our
connection to God.
Perhaps one of the hardest verses in the Bible from James
says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you come into
trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and
complete not lacking anything.” (James1: 2-4). God is saying to rejoice for He is working in
you. He also gives us the exhortation to ask Him for wisdom in the next verse
to know what to do and how to do it. God will give this generously if we don’t
doubt and are thankful.
The psalms are full of giving thanks to the Lord for He is
good and His love endures forever (Psalms 107, 100,136). How can we give thanks in all things you
might ask, for not all things are good? True, not all things are good like
cancer and war and trauma of all sorts. But God is good and He is in them with
you if you trust in Him. God says in Deuteronomy and Hebrews, “He
will never leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6); “Never
will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we might say with
confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I
will not be afraid. What can man do to me” (Hebrews 13:5-6). These are words of encouragement
and strengthening during our journeys on earth.
Paul in his letter to the Philippians tells them, “Rejoice
in the Lord always, I say again, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all
for the Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by
prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the
peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and
minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7). This is a verse I put to
memory years ago. It again tells us to rejoice and give thanks in everything.
Why? Because the peace of God will be with you and guard you. This is why much
is written about praying the Scriptures, because they do not return void, but
accomplish God’s purpose for us or others in it with us.
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15). Yes, give thanks for Jesu
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts.