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'Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. '
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
“Be thankful always” is quite the task to perform. In the United States, Thanksgiving Day is a day for Americans to recall all of the things in their lives that they are thankful for.
As I sit here reminiscing over my many blessings, I think of my troubled childhood and just where thanksgiving is placed in the face of suffering. The above verse is a famous command by Saint Paul to give thanks in all things, but
what part does thanksgiving play in hard times when it may not seem like there is much to be thankful for?
Simply put, thanksgiving is the cure to bitterness, and it keeps the heart free of hate.
In my own life, I found that often when I am driving home from work, I would think about all of the things that went wrong in my life, all of the people who have wronged me, and everything I am unhappy about. By the time I get to my wife, well, let’s just say that the Grinch would be a more pleasant person to be around.
This proposed a problem for me—the negativity was making me bitter, grumpy, and just plain sour and argumentative. As I recounted this issue in my prayers, it was in this verse that I found my answer. So, I made a swap. On my way home, if I ever caught myself beginning to complain about my life, or if I ever felt that old negativity begin to rise up in my mind again, I would stop and turn my mind to heaven.
“Lord, thank you for my life...”
In this prayer, I give thanks for everything I can think of —from my health and family to my friends to even simply having my sight and hearing—everything I have to be grateful for, no matter how small. I would turn my mind to just how blessed I am in Him. In doing this, I quickly noticed how effective it was, as I could feel my negativity give way to contentment and perspective. I stopped thinking about all that was wrong and started realizing all that He has made right—and what a perspective that was, as I realized I had so much in my life that was right.
So, next time you are upset about your life, I challenge you: give thanks. It will make all the difference.
To Him be the power, the glory, and the kingdom forever.
So be it and let it be.
Amen.