“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Thessalonians 5:18
November 21, 2023
As we watch a Judeo-Christian influenced civilization gradually collapse, one of the casualties is gratitude that flows Godward. A secular, saturated culture is left holding an empty bag. Thankful to whom? For what? God’s written Word to us has a rich vein of thankfulness. The thankful heart is to the Christian life what breathing is to the body. It is the natural and necessary thing. Set your mind on these thoughts. Thankfulness is to be our response to God for His goodness and His works of grace (“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good…” Psa. 107:1). You go to the doctor. He diagnoses your case. He gives you some medicine. You get well. You thank him. You are grateful. In Christ we have been healed of the disease of sin, its penalty, its power (in process), and its presence (heavenbound). Thanksgiving should be expressed in all the circumstances of life. Try these on for size: when we pray (Phil.4:6, instead of worry), when we eat (Acts 27:35). Do we sit down for our meals and fail to acknowledge to God our gratitude for His provisions? Publix or Kroger do not make the food. Express thankfulness when you have finished a project (Neh.12:27, 31, 40, a wall was built), when you have moved into a new place, finished an exam, or when you have been able to fill up your vehicle with gas.
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“Lord, work in me a greater heart of thankfulness. Your forgiveness is overwhelming.”