1 Thessalonians 5.18 - Thanksgiving: It is a Choice

1 Thessalonians 5.18- Thanksgiving? It is a Choice

A holiday to “give thanks” is held annually in several nations (Canada, Grenada, Liberia. Saint Lucia, and United States), and territories (Norfolk Island [AUS], Puerto Rico [U.S.]). Churches around the world have Harvest Festivals and Services of Thanksgiving. As believers we should, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5.18). Notice we’re not told to give thanks “for” all things, but “in” them. Some things are too horrible to be thankful for! But by faith we believe that even in those things God our Heavenly Father is working through them for His glory and our good. When we cannot clearly trace His hand in providence we can trust His heart. Thankfulness is linked to contentment. Thanksgiving is an intentional decision, “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart” (Psalm 9.1).