Thanksgiving
What a wonderful time of the year this is. The holiday season is upon us with Thanksgiving, and then Christmas and a New Year. With all of the bad things happening with the pandemic, wearing masks, gatherings to be held down to a just a few people in some places, we wonder how it can be a happy time.
Do we depend upon our circumstances for our happiness? Many times I am afraid we do. Note the words of the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:11-13, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (NASB)
Keep in mind when Paul was writing these words he was in a Roman prison in chains. He had not done any criminal offense but was being treated like one. And all through this book he talks about rejoicing. I’ve never been in prison as a prisoner, but I have visited them. How can one be happy while there?
Mainly, because happiness depends not on where I am or what is happening in my life. It depends upon me being faithful to the God who created heaven and earth and who continues to sustain the world He spoke into existence. Because of what He has done, I give thanks to Him.
God is promise keeper. He has never reneged on any promise He ever made. Everything He said would come true, always has (and will). So Paul could say that in every circumstance he would be content.
But notice he also said I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Jesus was the one whom he followed. By himself, he was not capable of doing things, but his faith in Jesus gave him the right attitude.
How about you? Can you give thanks in your abundance? Probably so. Can you give thanks when things are not going as you want them to? In Christ, you can.
Let’s all make sure we give thanks to our God who gives us all things. And not just at this time of the year, but always and in every circumstance.