Thankful Anyhow

Thankful Anyhow
(Joy, Praying, Giving thanks, Committed to the Spirit)
I Thessalonians 5:16-19
Deacon George Miller

Thanks, Thank You, Much-Obliged, preciate-cha, good looking out, gracias, I owe you. – I’m sure there is other terminology (verbal and non-verbal) that one uses to express their gratitude, usually for something good that has happened to or for them. Several Gospel artists (Tina Campbell, Mary, Mary, Hezekiah Walker and others) have recorded songs with the theme of “Thank You” or “Grateful”, usually reflective of a transformation from a difficulty or circumstance to a better time.

Here's the question, have you ever recalled a time in your life or song lyric where the artist was Thanking God for them being in the bad or painful situation? During the early stages of my life, there were situations that arose, proving to be both negative and painful.  Possibly like you, as a result of these matters, I would find myself asking that infamous question, “Why” did this happen? Yes, I even found myself questioning God, on why the situation even happened.

As I matured, (physically, Mentally and Spiritually), I learned a valuable lesson, “Nothing Just Happens”. One of the most difficult lessons I ever had to learn is found in one of the verses of the scripture text for today’s devotional, specifically, verse 18, but I invite you to focus on the “A” portion first, then of utmost importance, the “B” portion. That said, let’s address the text in chronological order:

Verse 16: = Rejoice Always (Be joyful always).
- God never promised us things would be easy or that we would never have disappointments in life.
- No matter the circumstance. Rejoice.  Philippians 4:4, Paul teaches us to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice”!
 
Verse 17: = Pray without ceasing
- Remember, there is no Time requirement when you pray.
- Stop getting hung up on “Pretty” prayers that may sound good. God doesn’t want to hear those anyway.
- Pray from the heart. God always wants sincerity, not fluff.
- Matthew 7:7-8 = Ask, Seek and Knock.
 
Verse 18(A) = In ALL things, give thanks. (Here is the tough lesson I mentioned earlier)
- Whatever happens, was meant to happen.
- As tough as it may be, give thanks for the negative things that occur in your life. The time will come when you are able to look back at those times and say, “I didn’t understand it then, but I do now”.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1 = To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose! ---Yes, EVERYTHING
 
Verse 18(B) = For this is “God’s” will for us/you through Christ Jesus.
- Case closed; Mic drop! --- Not yours or my will for the circumstance, but it’s God’s will for us.
- Remember, there will never be any amount of suffering that isn’t ordained by God.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 = Trust in the Lord and lean not to thine own understanding, acknowledge him and he will direct your path.

Verse 19: = Don’t put out the Spirit’s fire
- Be obedient when the spirit speaks to you, even though you may not want to hear what it tells you.
- Ask God to help you distinguish his voice when speaking, from your voice. Your voice will be sinful and selfish.
- Matthew 5:14-15: = You are the light of the world…(15) Neither do people light a  lamp and put it under a bowl.. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
- We need to stand firm in our faith during trials and be strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
- Your testimony may be the key that unlocks someone else’ prison.
- “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future, to a known God”.

Prayer:
To Our father, our Lord and Our God! Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to look back on my life and not only thank you for all the things you have given me but to thank you for all the things you took away from me. Thank you for the times you painfully chastised, me to realize that in doing so, was and is because you love me. Thank you for allowing us to make some wrong choices in life, only to end up in the right place. Please continue to teach me how to brighten my light so that others may benefit from my life experiences. I love you; I praise you and I glorify you! Amen, Amen & Amen.