Give thanks to God in all things

Thursday July 1, 2021

Give thanks to God in all things

Searching the Scriptures

Give thanks in all things, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

A 17th century English preacher, Matthew Henry, was attacked by criminals who stole his purse. In his diary he wrote down the incident, adding this : "I am grateful to God that I was not robbed sooner and that they took my purse but not my life, because although this was all my fortune, it wasn't much. And most of all I'm grateful to be the thief and not the thief."

Strange declaration of loss, you will admit ! Here is a man who had a positive spirit and who knew how to put things into perspective! But above all we want to see in this the attitude of a Christian who lived what he preached to others and who put into practice this biblical teaching : to be grateful in every circumstance, favorable or contrary.

Note that he did not thank God for being the victim of theft, but in this unfortunate episode he experienced, he found reasons to be thankful. This is neither stoicism nor masochism. It is to recognize the manifestations of the tenderness of our God. While allowing annoyances in our life, he shows us that he measures them and remains a God of grace.

"Faith sees a gain in every loss, a joy in every pain," wrote Charles Spurgeon.

My friend, if this is your take on the trials that God allows in your life, then peace will replace bitterness and you will be able to praise Him in all circumstances of your life.

Listen to the voice of God

Let’s take the time to listen to what God means. Are you facing a situation in which it is difficult for you to give thanks to God? Ask him to see this situation with a grateful gaze and heart.

Praying is easy. Talk to God as you would your closest friend. God loves you and he can hear everything. Here is an example of a prayer : "Lord, teach me to rejoice in all things because I know moreover that all things work together for the good of those who love you. Help me to see your grace in every situation that you allow me. to live."

Praise God

To praise God is to show him our gratitude. What are your subjects of recognition today? Take a moment to thank the Lord for this.

Act today

Now dig deeper into what you have received. What can you do to apply what God has told you ? Write down the concrete actions you can take.

Honor the Lord

Our route for the day ends. Let us pray together to honor our God.

"I give you thanks for what I am going through now, Lord, even if I do not understand everything. You have all my trust. Yours be the reign, the power and the glory forever. So be it !"

Jean-Louis Gaillard

Source (The Thought of the Day)