Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray unceasingly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
These 3 things of rejoicing, praying and giving thanks must go together. We need to be joyful even if things are not going well, to pray because we trust that God is in control and give thanks for what has and will happen. We have to give thanks regularly. Rather than an act, it must be a lifestyle.
How do we do this?
1. Give thanks for the big and small things
Jesus gave thanks for the food that was there...before he distributed the food to the 5,000. Paul always gave thanks for his brothers and sisters. Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures for ever. We give thanks because we do not take things for granted...we take them with gratitude.
2. Give thanks during good and bad times
In general, it is easy to rejoice and to give thanks in times of good. The devil does not want that. In the book of Job, in spite of the disaster that Job goes through, he still worships God. Paul said that he has learnt to be thankful in all (bad) circumstances because he can do all this thru Christ who strengthens him. It is when terrible situation that we should praise God all the more.
I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages - Charles Spurgeon
Sometimes thanks are given with tears flowing down. Just as Job says, "the Lord gives, and he takes away...blessed be the name of the Lord".
Gratitude is an offering, one the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it - AW Tozer