Eph 5:20
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Giving thanks for all
things.
This year has been a
deadly and devastating time for hurricanes. One category 5 hurricane after
another. Islands obliterated. Buildings leveled. Communications and power
outages that will last for months. The overall damage will take years to
recover from, if it ever will be fully restored.
Then there were
earthquakes. Hundreds died. Buildings leveled. Lives destroyed.
Some might ask how can
they be thankful during times of trials. In the midst of mind numbing, crushing
events, how can one possibly thank God? We are not told to give thanks only in
good times but in all times. To be content in all circumstances. Php 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I
have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Albert Barnes, a 19th
century minister, wrote We are often prone
so to magnify our calamities, and to contemplate the woes of the race, that we
overlook the occasions for gratitude; and we should, therefore, look upon the
“mercies” which we enjoy as well as the miseries which we endure, that our
hearts may be right. He who looks only on his trials will soon find his mind
soured and complaining; he who endeavors to find how many occasions for
gratitude he has, will soon find the burden of his sorrows alleviated, and his
mind tranquil and calm.
Have you thanked Him and
praised Him in all things, even in the midst of trials?
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