Key scripture – “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

When the famous preacher Charles Spurgeon was robbed on the streets of London, his wife asked him why he was so thankful. He said he wasn’t thankful that he was robbed, but he was thankful the robber took only his money and not his life and that the robber got away with very little. Finally, Spurgeon said, “I’m thankful to God that I was not the robber.”

There are always reasons to be thankful in life, always reasons to obey Paul’s admonition, “In everything give thanks.” Note that the verse doesn’t say for everything give thanks, but IN everything give thanks.

In every situation in life there are reasons to give thanks, not the least of which is the truth that God uses ALL things for good in the lives of those who belong to Him. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

Consider all the other reasons we have to give thanks: for our faith, for eternal life, for Jesus and the Holy Spirit, for a God who loves us, family, friends, finances, food, future, home, and more. Since we serve a loving Father who wants the best for His children, it is easy to give thanks for Him and for the plans He has for our life. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

If you didn’t wake up in a thankful frame of mind today, consider what God has already done for you, and stop and give thanks in everything starting with the fact that you are breathing. “Speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise by singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks to God the Father for all things, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians5:19-20).

No matter what is going on in your life right now, give thanks. God’s giving deserves our thanksgiving.

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, like the Psalmist, I will:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness graciousness, mercy, compassion endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods, For His lovingkindness endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords, For His lovingkindness endures forever.
To Him who alone does great wonders, For His lovingkindness endures forever;
To Him who made the heavens with skill, For His lovingkindness endures forever;
To Him who stretched out the earth upon the waters, For His lovingkindness endures forever;
To Him who made the great lights, For His lovingkindness endures forever;
The sun to rule over the day, For His lovingkindness endures forever;
The moon and stars to rule by night, For His lovingkindness endures forever. (Psalm 136:1-9). I give thanks to You Father, for Your Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, for forgiving all my sins, for redeeming my life from the pit, for all good things in my life because they come from You, for Your hand of favor and blessings, for crowning me with Your everlasting love and compassion, for Your righteousness, goodness and mercy, and for the trials in my life because they bring me closer to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.