Giving Thanks for all things, 1st Thessalonians Chapter 5
Stand with me and lift up your Bible and repeat after me.
This is my Bible.
I am what it says I am.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.
Today I will learn more of the word of God.
The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus Name
Amen?
Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.
"Giving Thanks in All Things"
Turn in your Bibles to the 1st Book of Thessalonians Chapter 5 and say, “Amen” when you are there.
Let's read verse 18
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
Romans 8:28 says: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."*
Gratitude is easy when life is smooth, but it’s in the challenges where our faith in thanksgiving is truly tested.
How do we find the strength to give thanks when the storms of life rage?
Can we trust that God is working for our good even in the painful moments?
Today, we’ll uncover the power of thanksgiving—not just for the good things, but in all circumstances. We’ll see how giving thanks transforms our perspective and aligns our hearts with God’s will.
To encourage you, I’ll share a story of faith in adversity and invite you to respond to the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ.
1. Thanksgiving in the Good Times
Let’s begin with the times when thanksgiving comes naturally. When life is abundant—good health, stable jobs, loving families—we feel gratitude flowing easily.
- Psalm 103:2: "Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits."
- Gratitude for blessings keeps our hearts humble and reminds us of God’s faithfulness.
- The good times are opportunities to give God glory and acknowledge Him as the source of all blessings.
What is a Practical Application
- Pause and reflect daily on God’s blessings. Write them down.
- Share testimonies of answered prayers and God’s provision to encourage others.
2. Thanksgiving in the Hard Times
But life isn’t always smooth. Trials, losses, and disappointments test our faith. How do we give thanks in these moments?
Why Be Thankful in the Storms?
1. God is in Control:
- Even when life feels chaotic, God is sovereign. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us: "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways."
- Trusting God’s plan gives us peace amid uncertainty.
2. Trials Refine Our Faith:
James 1:2-4*: "Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
- Thanksgiving in difficulty shapes us into Christlikeness.
3. God’s Presence in Pain:
- Psalm 23:4: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me."
- In our darkest moments, we experience the depth of God’s comfort.
The Biblical Example:
- Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned for sharing the gospel. Yet, in Acts 16:25, they prayed and sang hymns of thanksgiving. God responded by shaking the prison, setting them free, and using their faith to bring the jailer to salvation.
I’d like to share a story about a man named Horatio Spafford, a 19th-century businessman and devoted Christian. Spafford faced a series of heartbreaking losses. First, his young son died of scarlet fever. Soon after, much of his wealth was lost in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Despite these trials, he and his family sought to trust God.
Two years later, Spafford planned a trip to Europe with his wife and four daughters. Due to unexpected business, he sent his family ahead while he stayed behind temporarily. Tragically, their ship collided with another vessel and sank. His four daughters drowned, but his wife survived and sent a telegram with the haunting words, "Saved alone."
Devastated, Spafford set sail to join his grieving wife. As his ship passed near the spot where his daughters had perished, he felt a profound sense of peace and trust in God. Inspired, he penned the words to the famous hymn, “It Is Well with My Soul.”
The first verse reflects his faith in the midst of unimaginable sorrow:
"When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul."
Spafford’s story reminds us that even in the deepest pain, we can trust God’s presence and give thanks for His unshakable peace. It is not about denying grief but about acknowledging that God’s faithfulness transcends our circumstances.
Let me share a true story about Corrie ten Boom. During World War II, Corrie and her sister Betsie were sent to a Nazi concentration camp for hiding Jews. The conditions were horrific, and their barracks were overrun with fleas. Betsie reminded Corrie of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and encouraged her to thank God even for the fleas. Though reluctant, Corrie obeyed.
Later, they discovered the fleas kept the guards away, allowing them to hold Bible studies and minister freely to other prisoners. What seemed like a curse was a hidden blessing. This story reminds us that God’s goodness can be found even in our most difficult trials.
3. How to Cultivate Gratitude in All Circumstances
A. Remember God’s Faithfulness
Reflect on past struggles where God brought you through. His track record of faithfulness assures us He is still working for our good.
B. Give Thanks as a Discipline
Gratitude is not always a feeling; it’s a choice. Choose to thank God daily, even when life feels heavy.
C. Seek God’s Purpose in the Pain
Instead of asking, “Why me?” ask, “Lord, what are You teaching me?” Trust that no experience is wasted in His hands.
4. The Greatest Reason for Thanksgiving: Jesus Christ
Above all, we can give thanks for Jesus. Through His death and resurrection, He has secured eternal life for us.
- Romans 8:38-39: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
No matter the trials we face, our hope in Christ gives us a reason to rejoice.
We have to be responding to God’s Goodness
As we close, I want to extend an invitation.
1. If You’re Struggling to Be Thankful:
Are you carrying burdens that make gratitude feel impossible? Come forward and ask God for His peace and strength. Lay your trials at the altar and trust Him to transform your pain into purpose.
2. If You’re Seeking a Deeper Relationship with Jesus:
Perhaps you’ve been distant from God, and today, you feel Him calling you back. Renew your commitment and let Him restore your heart.
3. If You’ve Never Accepted Jesus as Savior:
The greatest thanksgiving begins with receiving the gift of salvation. Jesus offers forgiveness, freedom, and eternal life. If you’ve never made that decision, now is the time. He’s waiting with open arms. Come forward and a member of the prayer team will pray with you.
Closing Prayer:
Father, we thank You for Your presence in every season of life. In the good times, we praise You for Your blessings. In the hard times, we trust in Your sovereignty and goodness. Lord, help us to cultivate hearts of gratitude no matter our circumstances. For those who are seeking Your peace, meet them here today. For those committing or recommitting their lives to You, surround them with Your love and assurance. May we leave here transformed by Your grace and equipped to give thanks in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Let’s continue in worship, reflecting on God’s goodness and the hope we have in Him. If you feel led, the altar is open. Come and respond to His love today.
