THANKFUL IN ALL THINGS

The nature of man makes him selective in what to be thankful about. Yet as disciples, the Word challenges us to be thankful in all things: “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”—1Thess. 5:18. There’s no getting around it. God wants us to pray with thanksgiving when the future is uncertain, when heartbreak hits, and when shortfalls come.

Surely, when faced with difficulties and life’s hurdles, it is hard to be grateful. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

Wonderfully, there’s something great that should inspire us to be thankful in all things. This is our knowledge that “…all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”—Romans 8:28.

Again, searching the Scriptures, we discover a number of sound examples of believers who stood out in their faith, praying and giving thanks to God in troublous moments of their time.

Daniel is the first. When he knew that the writing had been maliciously signed for him to be thrown into the den of lions, knowing so well that his dear life was in danger, what did he do? He “prayed, and gave thanks before God.”—Daniel 6:10. How did God then respond to that? He sent His angel, and shut the lions’ mouths that they shouldn’t hurt Daniel any inch!--Daniel 6:22. Glory!

The other one is Jonah. While inside a fish, he called out “with the voice of thanksgiving.”—Jonah 2:9. Remember what followed? “…The LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.”—Jonah 2:10. Hallelujah!

The inspiration in God’s promise that He will work all things together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28) should always make us be thankful in all things. And we know He’s faithful, the One who promised. — 1Thess. 5:24.