Thanksgiving. Giving Thanks For All Things. 1st Thessalonians Chapter 5

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.