Psalm 107, Colossians 3:15-17, 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Hard to believe that Thanksgiving is upon us…I’m going to keep my message short and sweet this week so right off the bat you have something to be thankful for!
When it comes to expressing thanks to Jesus, we tend to fall into one of two camps. We are extremely thankful to Him because life is great, and all is well or we’re wondering where the heck Jesus is amid the train wreck our life has become and thanking Him for anything seems to be about as unrealistic as it can get.
This time of year, turkey and football and crazy family gatherings aside gives us a great opportunity to focus in on just how thankful we need to be for the love, grace and mercy that comes from our Savior no matter what.
Look at Psalm 107 as soon as you can. The psalmist lays out for us just about every form of misery you can think of and informs us that if we’re willing in those moments to just cry out to Him, the Lord saves. And He does! If you find yourself in a tough spot this holiday, pray for the boldness to seek help. Call me! 919-244-9770. I’ll do everything in my power to help you and if I can’t, I will do my very best to find someone who can. Jesus lights those pathways for us, not to lengthen our time of suffering or to humble us, but to give us a precious opportunity to grow in faith.
In the other two scripture passages I cite here – Colossians 3:15-17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18 we have Paul pointing out the importance of not just giving thanks to Jesus but to be constantly thanking Him. In Colossians 3:15 he writes, “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
Why? Because you are a precious child belonging to the Creator of all things. He will never leave you nor forsake you. You are part of a united body of fellow believers and when one member of the body hurts, the other members are there to provide whatever comfort or counsel is needed. It’s what we do. It’s who we are.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 is short, sweet and to the point…
“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Jesus Christ.”
When things are going good, when things are going not so good, give thanks. Because you belong to Jesus. Because He will cover you in grace and mercy. Because He will grant you His wisdom. Because He will lead you to those who can help you. Because He will leave the ninety-nine to save the one. If you’re that one, He’s got you.
If you woke up this morning, that’s thanks to Jesus so…thank Him.
So long as He chooses to give you another day, take advantage of it. Cry out to Him if you need to. Serve Him as best you can. Be there for someone else who may be hurting.
In all things, in all circumstances, be thankful!
From myself, my wife Mary Grace and all of us connected to the One Step Ministry I want to wish you all a Happy, Blessed and Restful Thanksgiving. God is good!