Sacrifice of Thanks

Monday, November 28

Sacrifice of Thanks

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I expect that most of us find it easy to thank God when things are going well in our lives or when we have just experienced His hand, His love and care for us in a special way. However, today’s scripture tells us that we should be giving thanks in all circumstances. This means that we should be thankful to God when we are going through trials and difficulties, when we are experiencing grief and pain, and when we are feeling low. It doesn’t mean that we thank God for whatever is happening, as it may not have been caused by Him, but we can thank Him in the situation, because He promises to be our peace in any situation.

And this goes beyond what you feel today. Psalm 50:23 says in the New International Version, ‘Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me…’ It is sometimes a sacrifice to start thanking God because we don’t always feel like it. But it honors God, and it prepares the way for Him to show us more of Himself and what He has done for us at the cross.

There is a hymn by Johnson Oatman that goes, ‘When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.’

Whatever your circumstances today, why not stop and take a moment to count your blessings, giving thanks to the Lord for who He is and what He has done for you?

Prayer for today: Lord, I thank You that You never change and are always faithful to Your promises. Thank You for the beautiful colors that we all get to experience this time of year. Thank You for the changing weather. Thank You for the sunshine. Thank You for all the many blessings I have. Instead of focusing on what is wrong, help me to focus on Your greatness and remember to do this more often. Amen.