Be Thankful Always

Be Thankful Always  |  1 Thessalonians 5:18  | Pastor Aaron Robinson

Life can be filled with swift transitions and the struggles we face can be overwhelming. The reality is, each day is a surprise to most of us. We have no idea what will happen. Yes, we can plan, make sure all of our ducks are in a row but sometimes our plans go awry. Some days catch us off guard, and trials and tribulations sneak up on us.  Satan ambushes us.

Simply, this verse speaks to all that has been mentioned and tells us what we should do. This text gives us a prescription for the future, regardless of what the day may bring. The writer informs us how we should proceed in all situations regardless of the circumstances. The author of this text reminds us that no matter what life brings, we should be thankful.

If we are really real, we question this text. Why should I be thankful when my life is falling apart? Why should I be thankful when I've lost the one that I love? Why should I be thankful when I feel like life is mad at me and is attempting to beat me down?

I understand being thankful when everything is going well. Being thankful when everything is falling into place isn't hard to do.  Gratitude is easy when it's all good. Praises of thanksgiving flow when the tides of blessings rise.

What should I do when it ain't all good? The text tells us to give thanks in all circumstances. As I pondered this verse it reminded me of the faith one must have to give thanks in all circumstances. We give thanks in all circumstances because we trust what God can do, will do and has done. If God can open the Red Sea for the nation of Israel to cross, surely God can help me get through my situation. If God can reign down manna when the people are hungry, surely God can feed me when I'm famished. If God can make the blind see, the lame walk and the dead live again surely God can change my situation.
 
The Bible reminds us that God will do a new thing for us. We are informed that all things work for the good of those who love Christ. Though my enemies may look victorious, in the end victory will be mine. God will turn my midnight into day.

As I look back over my life, the times that I felt like God had left me are the moments I realized it was God who was caring. The things that I thought would break me, God used to make me.  The stones that were meant for my downfall are the stones God used to take me to my next destination.  God has done above and beyond all that I could imagine.

When I look back over my life and realize what God has done, I can trust what God will do. This is what makes me be thankful in all circumstances. God has shown me that I have reason to be thankful always because God is always with me.

Prayer:  Most gracious and merciful God thank you, thank you and thank you. Thank you for you what have done.  Thank you for what you are doing and thank you for what you will do. Lord thank you for my best days and thank you for correcting my worst days. Amen and Asé.