The Bible Column - Giving Thanks For All Things

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thessalonians 5:18
The born again believer is also instructed to and has the privilege of giving thanks “for all things” and “in everything”. These two Bible Scriptures leave no room for unthankfulness in the believer’s life. Imagine the change in the world if all or most of the people would obey these two verses in their lives. In Romans chapter 1 we read of seven stages of world apostasy. The second stage in that downward fall from the truth is “neither were thankful”.
Not everything that comes into our lives automatically causes us to give thanks. But the believer is to look beyond the immediate set of circumstances to the one “who makes no mistakes in our lives” and “who does all things well”. At the very root and heart of being thankful for all things is trusting in the Lord for everything. In Romans 8:28 we read, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose”. Even though we cannot, many times, understand God’s way and plan, we can trust our all to Him for His divine direction. As we rest in Him completely, thankfulness in everything is the result.
This walk is the believer’s peace and joy. This way is the believer’s blessing. This path is God’s plan for victory. God’s simple plan of salvation is the beginning of this divine life. Then, yielding to the leading of the Lord brings the continuing way of peace and thankfulness to the believer. Where do we stand today?