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In Everything Give Thanks

Mustard Seed Chronicles: Story Time with LU Grandma

I have found that it is hard to be thankful while experiencing some situations and circumstances in life.

The words “give thanks” occur 91 times in 44 verses in the New King James Version (NKJV). In reading those verses, not once does it say to give thanks for bad circumstances. They say to give thanks for the Lord God’s goodness, mercies, and character.

Only in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 does the Bible say, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (emphasis is mine).

So, are we to give thanks for the diagnosis of cancer, the news of a loved one’s sudden death, or hearing of one of our children’s drug addiction or attempted suicide? I don’t see an example of that in Scripture. In fact, even Jesus who is our perfect example of suffering did not thank the Father before His crucifixion. He asked if the cup of suffering might be different, but ultimately, gratefully, Jesus submitted and obeyed his Father’s will. He prayed “not my will” but his Father’s will be done.

We find in Scripture an imperative to give thanks for Who God Is in all circumstances. What we find hard to do is equipped by His promises, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (emphasis mine).

It is easy to thank God for our loving family and their health, new job, raise in pay, a new baby, a home, car, friends, enough food, and clothing. It is harder when life seems to be unraveling. And yet it is then, that we are to “Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name” (Hebrews 13:15).

Prayer:

Father, You know we live in a broken sinful world with natural disasters, sins of every kind some of which are perpetrated on each other, and all the diseases and plagues we have in this world because of sin. BUT YOU paid our wages for our part in this, and we can praise You in the midst. We praise You even in the trials and thank You for Your undying, unconditional love, and mercy for us.

We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen!


Meet the Author

Timi Plyter

“LU Grandma”
Lead Parent Advocate

 

 

 

 

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