Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks

Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.

 I Thess. 5:18

In all times and under all circumstances we are called to

offer our thanks and praise to God not just when the calendar tells us that it is the season of harvest, bounty and abundance or that this weekend is the traditional day when we share together a lot of food with family and friends.  We are supposed to offer to God our thanks and praise under all circumstances and in all ways. But do we? Do you pray and offer God thanks even though you may not be thankful about your current circumstances?

Just think about this for a moment. Are you frustrated because you are getting older or that your body is growing weaker in specific areas? Maybe you have had some medical tests and are worried or wondering about what will happen next.  We are to be thankful in all circumstances but it is difficult when what we held as good is changing our life. How does one say thanks? Be grateful that we have doctors who are educated and can diagnose problems. Be thankful that tests are able to be done because of a good health care system and we might find out what is happening to our bodies. Give thanks to God that you have been given life, it may not be the life you wanted to lead as your body changes, but you have life and can continue to love others.

As we prepare to have a special meal with family, let’s not forget to have Jesus with us and reminding us to give thanks to God. Jesus reminded us to give thanks because he himself offered to God the Father/ Creator thanks. Thanks for knowing that he was not alone in his ministry, in his last days and Jesus knew that he would return to heaven. Jesus also taught us how to pray and to remember him. He gave thanks and then broke the bread symbolizing his sacrifice for all who believe and he shared this with his disciples. An in the action of giving thanks, breaking the bread/pouring the cup we have the sacred, holiest moments when God calls us to love, heal and forgive. This is giving thanks in an abundant way.

Paul wrote, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” No matter what your circumstance, be sure to take the time and thank God—not only this weekend, but every day. Amen. For God loves you and wants you to fully live, and to live life abundantly in Him. Rejoice and be glad. God loves you.

 PRAYER:

For all your goodness God, we give you thanks.  For family, friends and those who are not yet known to us. We praise you. For family gatherings where tensions may rise and for gatherings where stories are passed on from one generation to another again and again. We praise you God and ask that you speak to our hearts and enable us to look at the blessings we have from you. Amen.