gratitude | Daily Encouragement

Thanksgiving Day

“. . . give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)

There is a small, but helpfully significant, difference between giving thanks in all circumstances; and giving thanks for all circumstances.

There are situations and circumstances for which you and I should never be thankful: War, disease, marital discord, gross economic inequality, the persistence of evil. . . Yet, even in such circumstances, the disciple of Jesus is encouraged to be thankful — and it baffles the watching world.

In war, we know the Prince of Peace. In sickness, we are attended by the Great Physician. He is our Reconciler; and through your and my obedience, he feeds the poor. Evil may, for a time, persist; but evil shall never prevail!

True thanksgiving knows no season. – Luther

Tagged gratitude, thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Day, the book of 1 Thessalonians

October 19

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“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17, NIV)

Even those of us who will not admit to being rich, know we aren’t poor.

Such folks are commanded: “Not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth.”

Whether we consider ourselves “rich” or “poor,” gratitude for what we have received; and hope for the future is properly placed only in God, who is the true source of all that we have.

Remember: Worship the Giver, not the gift. – Luther