Thanking God in all things – Take 2!

Thanking God in all things is so much easier in hindsight. But when faced with a real life crisis, I quickly forget all about gratitude in the moment. Today, we are going to find ways to thank God in the midst of any situation.

Last week, my son turned 18. In the retelling of his birth story, I remembered the power of thankfulness. If you missed it, you can click here to catch up.

In that blog, I told a story of a nurse’s mistake that lead to our miracle. However, at the time, I was confused, angry and frustrated. I could not see any good in it. Although, looking back, it was the very thing that saved my son’s life and possibly mine as well. That’s God for you! “Working it all out to the good of those that love Him.”

Ironically, life changes quickly and from last week to this week, my family is now facing a difficult situation.

As I sit here writing my next blog, God is still trying to teach me to give thanks in all things. Even when it is hard. Especially when it is hard.

Thankfulness changes things. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “…give thanks in all circumstances;…”

If you read the whole passage, it says, “Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Rejoice, pray, give thanks. This is God’s will for us.

Ephesians 5:20 reads, “give thanks to God the Father for everything.” 

Colossians 2:7 says we should be overflowing with thankfulness. In fact, it reads, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, ⁷ rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Colossians 3:15-17 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

If you back up to the beginning of Chapter 3, it reads, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. ³ For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is your^[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

So what are we to do, when we really don’t feel like giving thanks?

Ann Voscamp, best-selling author of one thousand gifts, wrote on how her book on thankfulness began, “A friend dared me to start counting one thousand things I loved. I took the dare, accepted the challenge, kept track of one thousand things, one thousand gifts — a thousand graces– on a quite unassuming blog. Before I knew it, thankfulness to God began to fully change me.

What I actually found– startling!– was more daily wonder and surprising beauty than I ever expected. And in a few short years, this daily hunt for God’s grace, His glory, had ushered me into a fuller life. A life of joy!”

• I would suggest starting a gratitude journal.

I often start my day with praise to God, reciting my mother’s favorite verse before my eyes are barely even open.

“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

• Find some favorite verses and memorize them. Write them on postcards or sticky notes and place them around your home, car and office as reminders of God’s goodness and mercy.
• Listen to praise music and sing praises to God. Especially when you don’t feel life it.
• Pray. Pray continually and ask God to help you.
• Reach out to others. Ask them to pray for and with you. There is power in prayer.
• Sit in silence before God and let the Holy Spirit minister to you.

Life is hard at times. But God is good and His mercy is new every morning. Rest in the comfort that you can cast all your cares on Him, for He really does care for you. More than that, God loves you so much that He is willing to sacrifice everything for you. And with that, let us pray!

God of all goodness and mercy, remind us of your love. Teach us how to be thankful in all things. May we rest in the assurance that You are a good God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

P.S. – Leave me a comment below because I love hearing from you. Forward this message to a friend who might need some encouragement today. Share on Facebook and tag me in it. Until next time, remember, “Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -M