In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)
Giving thanks when things are going well comes easily.
When life takes a turn, it can be more of an effort.
However, the Bible says “in every thing give thanks” so even amid this crisis we face, we should still be giving thanks. Why? Because “this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
So, right this moment, what thing can you be thankful for?
I am so thankful for my salvation. That the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross and paid the punishment for my sins is always an amazing thing to me, and something to be always thankful for. And because I’ve repented of my sins and accepted Him as my Lord and Saviour, then eternity in heaven awaits.
I’m very thankful for Skype. I’ve not been able to visit my sister and her family. However, we’ve be
en able to spend time chatting on Skype and been able to see each other online. While it is in no way like hanging out with them for real, it is still a way to connect and I would rather have this than not seeing them at all.
Do you have a moment each day when you stop and be thankful for something?
It may be the same thing each day, but in cultivating a spirit of thankfulness, we can take a moment to celebrate the blessings instead of being completely caught up in a tide of negativity and panic. And we will notice a change within ourselves too.
This is also a good time to instil this practice in our children.
Maybe at family devotion time or bedtime prayers as you discuss the things they want to pray about, amid the requests, also ask them to say at least one thing they are thankful for today.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV)
~ Wendy Sparkes ~