Worship and Praise · Commitment and Service
Thanks? Are there reasons to be grateful?
3 min read, approximately
“in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Some days it is truly hard to smile. This happens when everything becomes complicated or we remember what has not gone well: we cannot find a stable partner, no one loves us, our salary is not enough, we cannot find a better job, taxes keep rising, we are constantly ill, and so on…
Yet even though these and many other things seem unpleasant, before they happened God gave us a new day, and that alone is reason enough to give thanks.
“There is still hope for everyone among the living, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. The living know they will die, but the dead know nothing and have no further reward, for their memory is forgotten.” (Ecclesiastes 9:4-5)
“Through the LORD’s mercy we have not been consumed, because his mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
How often have we forgotten to thank God for giving us a new day?
Along with that question, let us consider three more reasons to help us remember why we should be grateful:
\1. Thank you, Lord, because everything works for our good
“And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, [even] to them that are called according to [his] purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
If we love God, without a doubt the things that happen to us will work for our good. How good it feels to be in our Father’s hands and to be reminded that everything is under control!
\2. Thank you, Lord, for the grace you have given us through Christ Jesus
“I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus; that in everything ye were enriched in him, in all utterance and all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall also confirm you unto the end, [that ye be] unreproveable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, through whom ye were called into the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:4-9)
Where would we be today without Jesus’ sacrifice?
\3. Thank you, Lord, because the Holy Spirit teaches and guides us
“But the Comforter, [even] the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you.” (John 14:26)
Without the Holy Spirit’s direction, which path would we be walking now?
Conclusion
How good it feels to breathe because we have a new day, to walk securely and confidently because God always remains in control behind everything, to be loved by God so much that he sent his Son as the price for our freedom, and to know that when we do not know what to do, the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth!
What reasons do you have to be grateful? Be encouraged to start giving thanks right now!
_**Remember to visit the Songbook
May God continue to bless you, and may you keep enjoying an excellent day in Christ Jesus!