Give Thanks

By Patra Mueller, Family Life Minister

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus! 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Give thanks in ALL situations?  It seems impossible but something happens in our hearts & minds when we choose to be thankful even in the hardest situations we experience in life; we begin to see that our cup is half full, instead of half empty. Our perspective begins to change. Taking that first step to choose to be thankful is where we need resurrection power. Call out to Jesus and ask him to help you think of one thing to be thankful for. The apostle Paul did this often on his missionary journeys.    

He was brutally beaten, shipwrecked, hungry, naked, in prison and yet he challenged the church in Thessaloniki to rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in ALL circumstances. Paul knew that the secret to true joy and contentment was a connection with Jesus! He wrote in Philippians 4:12-13, "I have learned the secret of being content...I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Paul’s reaction doesn't come natural to me. But all of us have an opportunity to practice giving thanks and trusting Jesus in order to gain a NEW PERSPECTIVE in our lives.

As we head into this season of giving thanks, let’s consider changing our perspective by:

REFLECTING on the many blessings in our lives

RESETTING our priorities

RENEWING our faith in Jesus

Will you join me every day in November thanking God for five blessings each day?