Giving thanks in all things

Romans 8:28 tells us, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Thanking God acknowledges that fact, looking creation though the perspective of the Creator.

What is the alternative to thanking God in all things, Isn’t it grumbling, complaints, worry, and depression? Thanking God replaces grumbling with blessing, complaints with gratitude, worry with wonder, and depression with joy. 

Some people have very little and enjoy it much. Others have much and enjoy it little.  It only takes an attitude adjustment to turn a king into a pauper, or a pauper to a king. We have a choice to believe whether our life is heaven or hell.   Paul understood this when he wrote in 2 Cor. 11:24-31

Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.   Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

Even so, he wrote in 2 Cor 12:9-10 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Paul could have justifiably made a case that his life was not worth living, and that God had been cruel to him. Instead, he chose to believe that all his sufferings were signs of God’s favor, not of His wrath. 

We have a choice of stories to believe about our lives.  Either our lives are a tragedy or comedy.  This is what we do when we give thanks. We affirm that our life is good, and that God is good.

A God who was good yesterday will also be good tomorrow.  Some people have very little and enjoy it much. Others have much and enjoy it little.  It only takes an attitude adjustment to turn a king into a pauper, or a pauper to a king. We have a choice to believe whether our life is heaven or hell.   Paul understood this when he wrote in 2 Cor. 11:24-31

Even so, he wrote in 2 Cor 12:9-10 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Paul could have justifiably made a case that his life was not worth living, and that God had been cruel to him. Instead, he chose to believe that all his sufferings were signs of God's favor, not of His wrath.  

Take a moment to think about some scene of trouble, anxiety, grief or disappointment in your life.  Now imagine that scene with Jesus in the middle of it,  comforting you in the midst of sorrow.  Jesus is there with you helping you through your troubles.  Give thanks to Him for being with you in the hardest times of your life. 

When Peace, like a river attendeth my way

And sorrows like sea billows roll.

It’s then I can say what Thou taught me to say

“It is well, it is well with my soul.”

My sin, o the bliss of this glorious thought

My sin, not in part, but the whole

Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more

Praise the Lord, it is well with my soul. 

God, You alone are the best judge of what is good for me.  Help me, Father to realize that You are Good, even when I do not understand what You are doing.  I thank you, God,  that you are in charge of my life, and You know what is best for me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.