Today’s Engagement is 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Be Thankful –
Ever met an ungrateful person? One who never (rarely) expresses any gratitude for anything? Such a person is miserable.
The Bible includes stories of several such people. The ungrateful servant parable, who refused to forgive a small debt despite being forgiven for his enormous debt (Matthew 18:23). Or the brother of the prodigal son who was ungrateful for his brother’s return and his father’s continuous blessings (Luke 15:28). Even the nation of Israel whined for the delicious foods they had enjoyed in Egypt, even though God miraculously fed them daily (Numbers 11:4-6).
There’s not much worse, no uglier side of humanity than ingratitude! In truth, we are greatly blessed! We have Eternal Life! We are adopted into God’s family and promised blessings eternally!
There is no instruction in the Bible to “when times are good, give thanks.” or “when you get everything you want, be thankful.”
No, instead we are taught… in today’s verse and many others… “Be thankful in all circumstances”!
Whatever we are experiencing – pain, sorrow, suffering, hardship, need, loneliness, illness, grief… Give thanks. (Not my words – His!)
Why? Because a thankful heart is God’s will for His people. A thankful heart recognizes He is Good, He is over everything, He will provide, He cares, and He loves us.
Father God, help us to “give thanks in all circumstances”, and to remember that we have already been given the greatest gift possible – Eternal Life, and also Your forgiveness, adoption, and blessings far beyond our understanding. Help us be Thankful, always, for You have made us Your Own!
Give Thanks
Janella Salvador
Today’s Encouragement 