Give Thanks Always and for Everything.
Give Thanks Always and for Everything.
Paul is literally saying at all times and in every manner, for all of it…the whole lot -express gratitude that is well favored and present it as an intentional gift rooted in the reflections of the heart. This isn’t a mindless “thank you lord” or “have a blessed day”, this isn’t thoughtless phrase to be thrown around as though it had no meaning or purpose…this is a thoughtful, introspective offering of gratitude to God for all the things in life. Again…ALL of the things in life.
The only way that this comes about in life is if we trust that God is truly working ALL things out in my life for my good…and there is the rub. Trust. This thankful heart is the result of trust…being convinced that God will do what He says He will do, trust that He is leading me in a way that is good for me, trust that His ways and methods are for my good and will benefit me greatly - even when it doesn’t make sense.
Jesus, I thank you for everything!
That needs to be the cry of my heart and in order to get there I need to come to grips with this idea of trusting God. If Jesus trusted the Father, to the point He was willing to die, shouldn’t I also be able to trust the Father?
One would think but it isn’t easy…I have experienced so much pain and disappointment in my life, so much ruin and devastation, so much heart ache (even to the point that the one thing I desire most is kept at arms length from me as if taunting me)….it’s hard to trust that He is working this for my good and that He has my best interests at heart.
That said, I’m willing to lean in and attempt this line of thinking. I’m willing to believe that the Father will make it right and that His heart and mind for me are good and for my good and while I may not see it now…the journey isn’t over and He isn’t finished with me yet.
