“GIVE THANKS”
1 Thessalonians 5:18: – In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
When I was a child, I remember my mother teaching me to say, “Please” when I asked for something and “Thank you” when I received it. She taught me that this was a way to let the giver know that I was grateful for what I received. Even if the gift was not something I liked, I was taught to still say “Thank You.” She told me that no one has to do anything for me, but if and when they did, to always say, “Thank you.” Well, the day arrived, and I too became a Mother. I instilled the same values in both of my children. When they asked for something, I would hold on to the object that my son or daughter was reaching for until they said, “Thank You.” Then I would release it and say, “You’re welcome.” And off they would go!
The month of November is here. We are already thinking about the delicious turkey dinner that we will be preparing. But let us not forget to give thanks. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. There is no unnecessary pressure, no gifts to buy, no packages to wrap, no credit card bills to pay 365 days after the fact, and no end of the year deadlines to meet at work. It’s the time of year when you can easily stop, turn from your everyday hustle and bustle and turn toward God and see his mighty handiworks. The weather changes from summer to fall. The color of the leaves begins to turn from green to orange then brown. Some trees shed their fruit and flowers begin to fade away. It is simply breathtaking! It’s almost like watching a giant sunset! Psalm 118:23 says, “This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.”
This is the season where we, as bible-believing Christians, can actually reflect on the goodness of God, and how in the midst of chaos and adversity, He is still God, He is still good, and He still wants us to give thanks! We should still be determined, no matter what, to open up our mouths, lift up our hands, raise our voices and thank Him for what He has done, what He is doing even now, and what He is yet going to do in our lives, in our finances, in our relationships, in our physical bodies, in our minds, in our spirits, in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our churches, in our communities, in our cities, in our states, and yes, even in our country! Life’s circumstances do not always unfold as we would like them to, but He is still God, He is still good, and He still wants us to give thanks!
When your spouse works your last good nerve and your kids are about to make you lose your mind “up in here, up in here,” remember He is still God, He is still good, and He still wants us to give thanks because there is someone else who would love to be married with children, but has no spouse, no significant other or even a prospect in the radar zone nor do they have the physical capability to ever conceive children. When your boss always points out your errors, but never gives you credit for cleaning up his/her mistakes, remember He is still God, He is still good, and He still wants us to give thanks because there is someone else, possibly that you know personally, who has no job to go to. When your body starts telling you what it will and will not do when you thought you were controlling it, remember He is still God, He is still good, and He still wants us to give thanks because there is someone else who has a body that does not function without some assistance, or their mind does not function in a way that it can communicate to the body what it should do! When you’ve come to the end of your rope and feel all hope is gone and there is no way out, remember He is still God, He is still good, and He still wants us to give thanks because He promised to keep you in perfect peace if you keep your mind on Him because you trust in Him.
I challenge you this month to come in agreement with me and let’s make November a month of Thanksgiving. Let your mind be free and think on all the times He brought you out, all the times He made a way for you, all the times He came to your rescue, even in the ninth hour, and all the times He never let you down! More importantly, think about the great sacrifice He made just for you because He loved you so much and wanted you back in right relationship with God the Father. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Do not ask him for anything; just give Him thanks for everything. Happy Thanksgiving!
BBLESSED AND LET LOVE ABOUND!