1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Be thankful in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

Happy Thanksgiving! It’s a beautiful time of the year where we enjoy a festive meal with family and share the things we are most thankful for. While this is not technically a Christian holiday, it does embody the values and ideals that we hold most dear. Reflecting on Thanksgiving can give us much insight into the way that God has called us to live our lives in Christ.
How does Thanksgiving relate to God’s will for our lives? It’s a little something someone once said is an “ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE.” What I mean by that is that we are called to live joyful lives that radiate God’s love, peace, hope, and wait for it… THANKFULNESS!
It even says it right in God’s Word. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” These are strong words! Not only does the Bible encourage us to be thankful, but it says that it’s God’s will for our lives!
That means that we must cultivate a thankful heart in our lives. No, the world isn’t perfect. We are living in a fallen world that is often in direct opposition to the ways of God. That means that we will inevitably face trials in life. But that doesn’t mean that we still shouldn’t be thankful. God still provides us with everything we need and so much more!
The most remarkable thing that God promises those who believe is eternal life by His side. There will come a time when we meet Jesus face to face and the pain of this world will be no more. If nothing else fills us with gratitude, this most certainly should! This single promise should give us all the strength, comfort, and joy we need to reflect an attitude of gratitude throughout our lives.
Living with a spirit of thanksgiving changes not only our lives but the lives of those around us! Remember, perspective is everything. Your perspective will dictate the course of your life, and the way you live your life will influence others for the Gospel. When you radiate the kind of joy and peace that comes from living with an attitude of gratitude, it’s contagious. Those you encounter catch it and that same attitude begins to characterize their life.
Take this season of Thanksgiving as a time to reflect on all the amazing gifts and promises of God that we should be thankful for. Commit to living with an attitude of gratitude today. It’s God’s will for your life and living in God’s will is how you live your best life!
May God’s blessing and favor rest upon you and your family this Thanksgiving!
You can write the Pastor at pastorbilly@findtruelife.com.