Thankful through it all
Being Thankful. Sounds simple...right? Many of us say we are thankful! Many of us say, “Thank You” when we receive something. A compliment. A gift. A favor. An order at Chick-fil-a.
As a parent to three children I found myself many times looking at my child and saying, “Now say thank you.” We train up our children when to say thank you but do we show them how to live a life of thankfulness?
My question to you is what does a life of thankfulness look like? How did Jesus exemplify this life style of gratitude and how are we supposed to live a life of thankfulness even when things are not going so well. In times of suffering, how can we keep an attitude of gratitude and keep our perspective on thankfulness? Very good questions. Now let’s dig in.
Let’s define thankfulness so that we can all get a better understanding of it’s meaning. Thankfulness is defined as a feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciation. It’s the feeling of being happy or grateful because of something. Having gratitude is a strong feeling of appreciation to someone or something for what the person has done to help you.
“ Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:-16-18
The Bible clearly states that we are to give thanks in ALL circumstances! Yes... this is very clear. I am here to say that sometimes that is not the case for me. In times of stress, anxiety, loss, sickness, confusion,struggle...I tend not to give God thanks for THOSE circumstances. But the Word of God is clear….give thanks in all circumstances! I honestly thought this concept was a little crazy at first. Lord, I thank you for my high blood pressure, Lord I thank you that my car broke down, Lord I thank you that I lost my job, I thank you my spouse if acting crazy! Yeah…..I just didn't get it until the Lord revealed to me that those situations were temporary.
Those circumstances were not too difficult for Jesus. I may have tried to deal with situations on my own resulting in stress and anxiety ….But Jesus!! Jesus got me through! Jesus is still getting me through! Jesus made ways when there seemed to be no way! Jesus provided! Jesus healed! Jesus I thank you because your word says, you never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). So many things to be thankful for and sometimes we don't even see it!
What does a life of thankfulness look like?
“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” ~ Psalm 9:1
What better way to show our own children and family an attitude of gratitude by telling them of all the wonderful deeds the Lord has done! God has been faithful to you in times of trouble! Tell people and give God all the glory! Your spouse, your children, your family see you when you're stressed and just a mess… but let them see you thank and glorify our Lord because the bills are paid, because you received an unexpected blessing! Give thanks with all your heart!
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.” ~ Psalm 100:4-5
How did Jesus express his thankfulness to God?
Now most of you know the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Let’s take a look in this particular situation. Lazarus was dead for 4 days before Jesus got to his location. Lazarus was already placed in a tomb. Lazarus’s sister, Mary, was weeping over his death. Jesus arrives at Lazarus’ tomb and requests for the stone to be moved away. Martha (Lazarus’ other sister) warns Jesus, there will be an odor, he's been dead for 4 days!
“So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” ~ John 11:41-42
In this very moment, before calling out to Lazarus to come out of the tomb and raise from the dead, Jesus publicly expresses his thanks to God for the benefit of those around him. So that they too can be grateful to God.
This is just one of many examples that Jesus demonstrated his thankfulness and life of gratitude.
“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.” ~ Luke 24:30
Jesus thanked God for providing food!
“And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.” ~ Matthew 14:19
It is critical to give thanks to the Lord for all things! The lord is our provider! Even when we don’t feel it. Even when we don't see it...God will make a way!
Five years ago I found myself giving thanks to the Lord for something I would have never thought I would face. At 30 years old, I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer! UGH! That word sometimes seems like a curse! Cancer… It is striking so many loved ones around us. But going through this process changed my entire perception of thankfulness.
After the surgery of removing my thyroid and the affected area, I had to go to a follow up appointment. The doctor had to check to make sure that all the cancer was successfully removed. At this very moment, I can still hear and see the doctor look at me and say, “Mrs. Segura you are now officially Cancer Free!” Man that very moment….thankfulness became my life! I thanked the Lord for my cancer! Yes also for my healing….but If I would have never had cancer I would have not experienced the miraculous healing and favor the Lord had on my life!
Thank you Lord for my cancer! It taught me that life is a gift! It taught me to thank God even for the ugly things in life. It taught me to live a life of gratitude! I know...no matter what circumstances...no matter the diagnoses...no matter what it may appear to be….MY GOD is GOOD and I will thank him always!! I will live a life of gratitude because of his love!!! And I will share it with those around me!
Even if I wasn't healed, I would still thank him because he loves me! He died for me! He is my hope and my joy! And he is yours too! He loves you! He will be there for you too! He will be your provider!! Your savior!! Jesus is king!
Hi Steadfast Love Endures Forever
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
And his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the LORD is good;
His steadfast love endures forever,
And his faithfulness to all generations.” ~ Psalm 100:1-5
Prayer: Lord I pray for the person reading this today, I pray that they walk a life of gratitude and thankfulness towards you, I pray they are reminded today of how much you love them, by sending your son to die on the cross for our sins. I pray you remind them that your son Jesus took lashes on his back for our healing. I pray that you remind them today that you have a plan to prosper them and not to harm them. Lord I pray that we continually praise your name, showing our children and many generations to come a life of gratitude and thankfulness because you are faithful! In Jesus name, Amen!
