Thankful?
We say it, but do we mean it?
It’s easy to let it roll off the tongue: ‘thanks’, ‘thanks much’, ‘thanks a lot’. And not just to each other. In prayer: ‘thanks, God, for ____ (fill in the blank)’, ‘thanks, Jesus, for what you’ve done for me’, ‘thanks, Father, for Your Word’. But whether with each other or God, how sincere are we?
Often we just move on waiting for the next thing to be thankful for. Perhaps a pause this week as America celebrates Thanksgiving – and a daily pause – to ponder what thankfulness really is and how to live it not just say it. “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17 HCSB)
I love the simplicity of the Bible. Yes, it can be quite deep and complex. But then suddenly, it opens up and sums up the ‘need to know’: “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT)
Life is hard. It doesn’t always turn out the way we thought it should. We don’t always want to walk the road we find ourselves on. I’m guessing the men and women who travelled the Atlantic and suffered the loss of life and livelihood to make a new life in America weren’t too thrilled at first either. But their response: find joy, keep praying, thank God no matter what. A good lesson for you and me.
We have something the whole world needs. It’s more precious than all the money on earth combined can buy. It never wears out, never goes away, gets more valuable with every moment. The more we share it, the more it’s worth.
It’s called salvation and we don’t have to sacrifice or spend money to get it. It’s a free gift, for the asking. And we can ask this too: Jesus, help us live with sincere hearts.
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:22a, 23-24 NIV) Live Thanksgiving.
parisrenae 
It’s not always easy for everyone to be joyful but we do have to pray and give thanks. Thanks so much for linking up with me at my party #FaithAndWorshipChristianWeekend 11, open until November 30 at 12:05 am. Shared on social media.
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Visiting again to say thanks so much for linking up with me at my party #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 19, open until December 26 at 12:05 am. Shared again on social media. I invite you to check out all of my themed parties!
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Full of truth. Thank you.
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Lauren, hoping you had a wonderful thanksgiving celebration – His truth makes us free to give much thanks!
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Thanks for sharing these powerful (and convicting) verses. Like the verses you shared, you gave us much to chew on in a short post. Such great reminders!
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We constantly have to check ourselves and our motivations right? So glad He gives so much grace, blessings as you are covered in that grace…
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“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT) Thanks for reminding me of this scripture. So much good stuff in this post. Thanks for linking up with us at the #FaithAndWorshipChristianWeekend 11
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It is simple, just not always easy. Blessings as you live thank-full and know He is right there beside you.
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