Give Thanks

GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES

By Kathy Graumann

November 7, 2012

 

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

First Thessalonians 5:18

 

Our Heavenly Father created a perfect world, a world that was flawless, without sin or shame. When mankind chose to sin, our Father’s world became corrupted. Yet, our Father loved mankind and sent His Son to redeem us. In the midst of the turmoil and pain our sin has caused, our Father beseeches us to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

“In all circumstances,” He commands. Even when Hurricane Sandy destroys my home or when a United States ambassador has been murdered by terrorists? Even when I have lost my job or the farmland is dry and parched? Does God call me to obey His command to give thanks even when cancer invades my body or dementia overtakes a parent or when my candidate is defeated in the national election?

Our Father did not say, “…in most circumstances” give thanks; instead, He commanded, “…in all circumstances” give thanks. Obeying God’s command to give thanks is a choice He alone empowers us to make.

Even when I am in pain and the world about me is in turmoil, even when our religious liberty is threatened and infringed upon, I know that my Father has everything in His control, even when I cannot perceive it. I know that He loves me perfectly and that every situation and event in my life is filtered through Him for my best. I can walk through troubles with quiet confidence in God’s sovereignty and divine purpose for everything He allows. Every frustration, every disappointment, every spiritual battle, and—yes, every joy in our lives—has a purpose and is used by our Father to refine us, to produce within us godly character, to draw us closer to Himself, and to fulfill His unique plan for our lives.

The poem, “The Tapestry of My Life,” expresses these truths:

My life is but a weaving

Between my Lord and me.

I cannot choose the colors

He works so steadily.

 

Oft times He weaves in sorrow

And I, in foolish pride,

Forget He sees the upper

And I, the underside.

 

Not ‘til the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly,

Will God unroll the tapestry,

And explain the reason why.

 

The dark threads are as needed

In the Weaver’s skillful hand,

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned.

 

Let us, therefore, with joy, give thanks to our God and Father in all circumstances.

Prayer

Dear Father, we, who call ourselves Christian, come to You today, humbling ourselves before Your holiness. Where we have each personally sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, we ask for Your forgiveness. Where we, as a nation, have dishonored You and rejected what You value, forgive us. Cause the people of this great country, especially those who are called by Your name, to turn from sin and seek Your face. You call us, Lord, to give thanks in all circumstances. We choose to obey You. Your purposes are good, and we know that You have control over all things. Transform our anxiety into peace that passes all understanding. Your goal is to accomplish what is best for us in our lives. You work for our eternal good, for our eternal, sustaining joy. Thank You for the work You accomplished once and for all on the cross.  Thank You for being the Light shining in a dark and desperate world. Thank You, Father. In Jesus’ name. Amen.