1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 

“In every situation be thankful” is easier said than done.  But there are good reasons for it.  God has the supernatural ability to take bad situations and turn them for good.  Like the saying goes “every cloud has a silver lining”.  Though it is hard at times to do if you look hard and long enough you will find something good in every situation. 

Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”  Notice it says “all things” not some things!

Here is a prime example of a group of ungrateful men that Jesus healed.  Luke 17:12-19 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”  14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.  17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

Surviving bad events in your life becomes important when you look back at them.  You see the struggles and the battles along with the victories.  You also see how those events help to mold and shape your life.  They become more than life experiences for they help build character, endurance, patience, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. 

Being thankful in all things keeps you from being offended, holding grudges and allowing the enemy to enter your life in hateful attitudes and behaviors.  Being thankful also helps the healing and forgiving process that we need sometimes.  It is what the Holy Spirit is extremely good at!    

We have so much to be thankful for as children of the Most High God.  Answered prayers, blessed beyond our imaginations, rescued, healed, restored, delivered, empowered, prospered and loved are but just a few things that we can give thanks for!

A thankful heart is a humble heart.  It is hard to pat yourself on your back when giving thanks.  An attitude of gratitude brings you closer in your walk with Father God.  It’s a good reminder of how much you are blessed and how much Father God loves you! 

In a world of entitlement attitudes, “what’s in it for me” and taking God’s blessings for granted giving thanks for the mundane, everyday common things is also important.  I’m still blown away that the God of all creation knows me, wants to know me, wants to spend time with me, cares and loves me and wants to be involved in every part of my life.  And I am nothing but pond scum without Him!

Thank you Lord for all that you do, all that you give, all the love you share and for all you did Jesus for me!  Thank you!!