I Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV) declares, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Sometimes, we are all guilty of thanklessness, but we have to remember what the Word says about giving thanks. Further, we sometimes complain about what we don’t have and wish we had what others possess. Be careful of wishing what others have because you don’t know what they are going through to keep it all. You may be sick, but you’re still here. You may think that you are poor, but in the words of the late Dick Gregory, American comedian and civil rights activist, “You’re not poor, just broke!” He went on to say that being broke is only temporary. Therefore, regardless of your circumstances this holiday season, be thankful.
As you go through this holiday season, don’t focus so much on what you want for Christmas because God gave us the greatest gift of ALL, His Son, who came to save us from our sins. Giving of your service to others, especially those who are less fortunate, shows God thanks. Remember what the Word says in Acts 20:35 (ESV), “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Seek joy, peace, and happiness, in lieu of material possessions, because these things eventually become of no value and soon fade away.
Gospel artist, Louise “Candy” Davis, composed a song, “I’m Blessed, Better than Blessed.” One section of the lyrics teaches a valuable lesson about thankfulness: “Many times I had to learn my lesson/for I did not, I did not appreciate my blessings/I complained that I had no shoes/then I saw a man with no feet to use/and I know I’m blessed, better than blessed/ thank you Lord.” During this holiday season, count your blessings instead of your problems, and you will probably be surprised to discover how much better off you are than so many others.
I conclude this week’s message with an unusual, but powerful, lesson on thankfulness. “Many years ago, Matthew Henry, a well-known Bible scholar, was once robbed of his wallet. Knowing that it was his duty to give thanks in everything, he meditated on this incident and recorded in his diary the following: ‘Let me be thankful, first, because he never robbed me before; second, because although he took my purse, he did not take my life; third, because although he took all I possessed, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed’” (Wholesome Words).
Always abound in the faith, and never leave home without Him!
