Give Thanks - In Everything?

In a short list on the will of God Paul wrote, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, In every thing give thanks;. . . We find other verses telling us to give thanks “in everything.” It is to be part of our worship - Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; . . . It is to be part of our trustful thinking and prayer life - Philippians 4:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; . . . It is to be part of Christian deportment - Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Others have written with the same emphasis on the “everything” of thanksgiving. Job is a very good example. He has just lost everything, possessions and family - Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. David knew the blessing of giving thanks in everything - Psalm 34:1 [A Psalm] of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise [shall] continually [be] in my mouth. 2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear [thereof], and be glad. 3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. And the writer of Hebrews makes this comment on the work of Christ driving us to giving thanks - Hebrews 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. 14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.

I think it is evident in these verses that thanks giving is not to be offered unto the Lord only for the positive blessings of life, but even during some of the difficult times of life. Job lost everything and “blessed the Lord.” David, in Psalm 34, will be faced with desolation but “praise was continually in his mouth.” The writer to the Hebrews offered up thanksgiving even in the midst of “bearing the Lord’s reproach.”

What ever your "everything" is today, whether it be pain, weakness, sadness, joy, positive blessings, or negative ones, know this - It is the will of God for you to give thanks.” Yes, even in everything! If we believers do not give God thanks, who will offer the Giver of all things, thanks? Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things ? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

“Give thanks with a grateful heart, Give thanks to the Holy One, Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son.”

Have a wonderful day serving our Wonderful Lord, by Grace Alone!