Give Thanks No Matter What

because Thankfulness is a choice...

This is a time of year to reflect on what we're thankful for - I thank God for Thanksgiving - A holiday who's very purpose is to cause people, who may not otherwise stop and take the time, to think about and count their many blessings.

But I understand that there those who are facing such terrible trials, that it's hard to find it in themselves to be thankful for anything. I've heard people say "there's always someone who has it worse than you" and somehow that's supposed to make you feel thankful? I've never understood why misery loves company, or how knowing others are suffering more can bring us any comfort in our own mess.

Let me please share with you something I've learned over the years as we've faced our share of challenges. God wants us to be thankful, even in the midst of our trouble! I'll prove it...

Phil. 4:6 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

1 Thess. 5:18 - "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

In both of these verses, it tells us to be thankful - in vs. 16 & 17 of 1 Thessalonians it says "rejoice always, and pray without ceasing". So to paraphrase, God is saying "pray, rejoice, and be thankful no matter what!"

Remember...thankfulness is a choice.

Choose to be thankful no matter what you're facing, knowing that as you pray and give it to God, He will give you His peace in exchange for your burdens.