Always Give Thanks

In his epistles Paul repeatedly gives the advice that we should always give thanks. Not just when everything is perfect, but all the time.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (WEBBE): ¹⁶Always rejoice. ¹⁷Pray without ceasing. ¹⁸In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus towards you.

Philippians 4:6-7 (WEBBE): ⁶In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

If we are always looking for the things that we can give thanks for, we are not focusing on the negative things in life. And even more important, it means that we are keeping our eyes on Jesus – the provider of all those good things.

If we find out that we have so much to thank God for, then it is natural that we will want to speak Him and thank Him. This builds our personal relationship with God.

Romans 12:2 (WEBBE): ²Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

The more time we spend on the things of God, the more our relationship with Him will grow and the closer we will be to living in God’s perfect will for us. And all of that can start right now with a prayer of thanksgiving. What are you waiting for?