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Is it really possible to give thanks in everything?
Greg Laurie
Sometimes worship and thanksgiving can be a sacrifice. That may be because we are down or depressed or things aren't going all that well for us. Maybe hardship or tragedy has struck our lives in some way and we don't want to thank God.
Yet the Bible urges us to give thanks to the Lord. Psalm 106:1 says, "Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever" (NKJV). We are told in Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (NKJV). And Hebrews 13:15 says, "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name."
We are not told to give thanks to the Lord because we feel good; we are to give thanks to the Lord because He is good.
As we approach God to ask for new blessings, we should never forget to say thank you for the blessings already given. We should be just as definite in returning thanks as we are in requesting help. But many times we aren't. We are quick to ask for help, but we are slow in giving thanks.
Answer taken from Give Thanks ... in Everything by Greg Laurie. Click here to read the article in its entirety.
This is why for the sake of people, because God is gonna be alright, good sound teachers of His word are a very, very necessary (perminent) part of every Christians life. So that when the storms come they won't get confused or feel abandoned by the one that was to protect and love them always, Jesus. When they understand Him and His unfailing love and His EXPECTATION of us as believers then they know and have the desire to praise Him at all times and through anything
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Even though it's TOUGH, and like everyone else these days... I've been there myself. Life and job hardships - you name it. However, God subtly reminds me every day that He HAS blessed me in so many ways, even if I don't have the things I would like to have RIGHT NOW(and most of us know that!) I have a car to drive, money in the bank, food on my table, friends, and a roof over my head.
The tough times we live in have shaken everybody. It's far too easy to curse the ground... and He knows I've been tempted too many times. However, I know He calls me to Thanks almost every day.
Even WHEN it appears you just aren't getting a 'break', He's there alongside you, and KNOWS what you're going through. When bill collectors are ringing off your hook, He is there. Somehow things work themselves out.
I am thankful that my children were not killed.
I am thankful that Jesus was there to carry me when I could go no more.
I am thankful that God PROMISES that the plans he has for us are to prosper us and not to harm us. (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
I am thankful that my eldest, who was driving that night, has processed everything, including the death of his mother and is a very successful freshman in college.
I am thankful for my church who surrounded my family with love and my Pastor who stood by my side and prayed as my wife died in the hospital.
Even in great loss, there is a great deal to be thankful for.
I am thankful that my wife and her parents were christian and I will see them again.
I am thankful that my father in law accepted Jesus before he died.
I continue to be thankful...even in pain and grief.
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