In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Someone right now is desperately praying and seeking for that thing you’re grumbling and complaining about.
Your house is too small…they’re homeless sleeping on the street. Your car keeps breaking down…they’re walking everywhere in the rain longing to be able to drive. Your shoes don’t fit…they lost both legs 10 years ago in an accident. You feel frustrated and unappreciated by your spouse…they’re desperately lonely and wishing they had the opportunity of having a marriage to work on.
The challenge and assignment is to give thanks in everything...regardless of how you feel or what it is.
An attitude of gratitude. Five minute journals. Sending positive thoughts to people.
These are all simple expressions of the powerful principle of giving thanks.
And when you consider the times when Jesus gave thanks, you see the results of 5,000+ people being fed from seven loaves and a few fish (Matthew 15:36)…Lazarus being raised from the dead (John 11:41)…the revelation of Communion at Passover (Matthew 26:27) …and many other demonstrations of this principle.
There’s more to this that I need to unpackage. But for now, remember that saying “thank you” is more than just good manners…it’s the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.