Dear Lord,

As this week of Thanksgiving begins I stop to ponder why do we often need a holiday to remind us to give thanks. It is hard in this sinful life to have a grateful spirit. Life makes that challenging, events and our circumstances harden our hearts

A grateful spirit becomes more challenging during times of oppression, persecution or grief than during periods of bliss. I have had seasoned, and new Christians ask me this question. “Please tell me how we are supposed to ignore all the pain and suffering and have a thankful attitude?
What exactly I am thanking you for Lord?” Have you been there? Have you wanted to ask God this question? I want to explore the answer. We will see want answers God provides.

Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians provides context.

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:15-18

Is a wake up call that happiness is not the prerequisite for a grateful spirit, but Christ is. No matter our situation we have been redeemed.

We give thanks for the gift of God’s grace freely given to all the world through His Son, Jesus Christ. So, this week and every week be grateful for whose you are in Christ Jesus. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.