ALWAYS BE THANKFUL FOR EVERYTHING?
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “...giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20, ESV
Theme: No matter what you’re facing, it is always within God’s will for us to give thanks to God the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Start there.
ALWAYS AND FOR EVERYTHING
Absolutes are usually inaccurate. We can’t always be on time, though we may strive to be consistently timely. I’m not always cheerful in the morning (sometimes I stay up too late or wake up feeling sick)! However, we are instructed to offer “thanks always and for everything” (Ephesians 5:20, ESV). There are circumstances where I don’t feel up to giving thanks. There are terrible circumstances where being thankful seems unreasonable. A death, a job loss, an accident, a failure, a wayward child, a suffering friend, a natural disaster, a pandemic – these are all things we’d rather avoid. Yet as we search for God’s will, we can be certain that giving thanks is a beneficial, God-honoring start.
DENTAL WORK
My five-year-old son recently had major dental work under general anesthesia. I dreaded everything about it. I was not thankful that my youngest had to go through this experience. To top it off, the morning of the procedure, our family’s mobile phones were out of service because of a rare, nationwide glitch. After my little guy bravely walked back to the procedure room, I was left sitting in the waiting room praying. I was afraid, but I decided to thank God anyway. I thanked Him for providing the resources we needed, a clean office, kind professionals, anesthesia to reduce the trauma, and for allowing me to have five years with this amazing kid. As I prayed, my attitude changed. Although I was scared, I was also very thankful for God’s presence. No cell service glitch can cut the line to Him.
TRANSITIONS AND ENDINGS
When something we love ends, it can be sad, scary, and difficult. Even when we desire a change – to stay home with the kids, to move on to a new role, to move to a new city or country – there is some loss. As we let go of power, relationships, money, and someday, even our lives, we may grieve. At the same time, because we follow Jesus we have unending hope in God’s ultimate good plan. God wants us to remember our faith, His faithfulness, and remain in hope for the day when all things are made new in every transition, ending, and even loss. “Always be thankful” (Colossians 3:15b, NLT). Giving thanks over and over in difficult circumstances is good practice for the end of our lives. Imagine facing death praising God for His goodness.
Make It Personal: What life circumstances make it hard for you to thank God? How have you been successful in offering thanks to God, even when you were experiencing loss or disappointment? Pray over any troubling circumstances that you are working through today – thank God first for the blessings you see and even for your problem, even when you don’t see any upside. Give thanks always.
Pray: Father God, thank You for sending Jesus as an atoning sacrifice for my sins and the sins of every person I love and care for. Thank You for the comfortable parts of my life, my home, my family, my friends, and my fulfilling work. Please help me to thank You for the difficult things in my life also, especially as I remember the hope I have in Your absolute goodness and ultimate victory. We look forward to the day when You will wipe every tear, heal every hurt, and make all things new. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Colossians 1:3, 3:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 1:4
Weekly Memory Verse: But be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, Ephesians 5:18b - 19 (ESV)