AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE.
From 1 Thessalonians 5:18 we read, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE. I read about a man in Phoenix who called his son in New York the day before Thanksgiving and said, "Son, I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are getting a divorce. Forty-five years of misery is enough for 1 person.” The son screamed, "Pop, what are you talking about?" His dad continued, "We can't stand the sight of each other any longer. We're sick of each other and I'm sick of talking about it. Call your sister in Chicago and tell her." Frantically, the son calls his sister in Chicago and gives her the news. She cries out, "No way! They're getting divorced? Don't worry. I'll take care of this." She calls her dad in Phoenix immediately and says, "Now, you listen to me dad, you're not getting divorced. Don't do a blessed thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother, in New York, and we'll both be there tomorrow." The old man hangs up the phone, turns to his wife and says, "Okay honey. They'll both be here tomorrow for Thanksgiving, and thank the good Lord, they're paying their own way."
ALWAYS THANKFUL. In our verse for today the command to every one of us is clear: “In everything give thanks.” It’s important to notice we’re not commanded to be thankful FOR every thing, but to be thankful IN every thing. Regardless of what life dishes out at us we can be thankful to God during even difficult times. An attitude of gratitude is the attitude that pleases God and sees life from the proper perspective. But how does one develop this attitude?
1. YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THAT GOD DOESN’T OWE YOU ANYTHING . Everything you and I have is a gift from God. It is not owed or deserved, it is graciously given (James 1:17). The ungrateful person develops an attitude of entitlement and focuses on how they are getting cheated because they have less than someone else. Grateful people, however, focus on the goodness of God in blessing them with what they certainly don’t deserve. They thank God for breath, health, provision (no matter how large or little), family, and friends. They stand in awe of God for the indescribable gifts of salvation, forgiveness, the indwelling Holy Spirit, a home in heaven, and an opportunity to make a difference in this world for the Lord Jesus.
2. YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THAT THANKSGIVING IS FAITH TURNED INSIDE OUT. When you and I are thankful, regardless of the problems, it shows that we trust God and truly believe He is in control. We don't walk by sight or circumstances, but we walk by faith in God's Word. We stand upon the promise and truthfulness of Romans 8:28 that assures us, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called and they according to his purpose."
3. YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THAT THANKSGIVING HONORS GOD. Psalm 50:23 tells us, "He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me." Sometimes, giving thanks can be very hard. If life has just caved in on you, thanksgiving can truly be a sacrifice. But in that sacrifice of praise and thanks, God is honored, and the devil is defeated.
HOW BOUT YOU? Make this Thanksgiving a Thanksgiving to remember as you set aside time to glorify the Lord in the midst of whatever you’re facing! The Bible’s says, “IN (not for) everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thess. 5:18). When you give Him thanks regardless of the circumstances, He will be honored, and you will be blessed.
A THANKSGIVING PRAYER. Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I’ve rushed ahead with blessings in my hands but no gratitude in my heart. Today I come back to You—thankful, humble, and full of praise. You have blessed me, carried me, and called me Your own. Teach me to live each day with a thankful heart that glorifies You. Amen. Think it over…🙏