Thanksgiving is a time to pause and thank God for His blessings. For most, it is easy to give thanks for the good things in life but a bit more challenging to be grateful when problems and pain seem to hit at every turn. The last couple of years have been challenging to say the least. It would be easy to focus on the pandemic, political and social unrest, and a nation turning evermore alarmingly away from God rather than turn our hearts to thanksgiving.
Troubling Times
Troubling times are not new to humanity. In the first half of the 17th century, war, famine, and pestilence plagued Germany. A pastor by the name of Martin Rinkart lived in the city of Eilenburg.
Rinkart conducted up to fifty funerals a day during one incredibly oppressive period as a plague swept through the town and the Thirty Years’ War wreaked its terror on the people. Among those whom Rinkart buried were members of his own family.
Yet during those years of darkness and despair, when death and destruction greeted each new day, Pastor Rinkart wrote sixty-six sacred songs and hymns. Among them was the song “Now Thank We All Our God.” As sorrow crouched all around him, Rinkart wrote about thankfulness.
Rinkart demonstrated a valuable lesson for us all: thankfulness does not have to wait for prosperity and peace. It’s always a good time to praise God for the “wondrous things” He has done. (Source: Our Daily Bread, October 12, 1998)
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
In his first letter to the church in Thessalonica, Paul encouraged the congregation to include three essential things in their daily routine: rejoice, pray, and give thanks.
REJOICE ALWAYS
How do you always rejoice? Some may consider boisterous laughter as evidence of rejoicing, but that’s not necessarily the case. Some rejoice with music, others with food or fellowship. However it manifests itself, rejoicing happens in the heart -our spirit. It is a joy that is not necessarily happiness. Whatever it looks like for you, it is good for your soul to rejoice daily. A close walk with our Savior is the best way to experience continual joy.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Philippians 4:4
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING
Time with God should be a top priority for Christians. Without it, we lose a life necessity! How would you feel if you failed to sleep or eat? A healthy prayer life is as important as anything that could fill our day. It is our lifeline of communication with our loving God. Prayer is a beautiful gift of communion with our Creator, Redeemer, and best Friend.
“…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6
GIVE THANKS
Finally, give thanks. If Martin Rinkart could look around and see reasons to give thanks, indeed we can, too. Perhaps you can’t check every box for health, wealth, and happiness, but we can surely claim the blessings of His constant presence, care, and everlasting love. If we looked around and all we had was Jesus, He would be enough!
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” Psalm 107:1
Take a moment and jot down a few things for which you are thankful. As for me, I am most grateful for Jesus, my Savior. I am thankful for God’s grace and mercy, for family and friends, health and happiness, and His daily provision.
Thank you, Jesus. I rejoice in Him, seek Him in prayer, and give heartfelt thanks to the One who knows me best and loves me most.
Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#charlenemillerblogs
