Throughout this Holiday of Thanksgiving, we are reminded to give thanks. The atmosphere reminds us to do so. We gather with family, friends etc. and normally share a meal. Others volunteer their time with feeding the homeless or visit children in the hospital. It is a wonderful time of the year.
When we have talked about thanking God in our support group, a few thought patterns have arisen. One that is prevalent with a lot of Christians, is that we should thank God for what we are going through, that He caused the situation. I would say this is not scriptural.
Romans 8:28 tells us:
'And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.'
Meaning, for those who #1 Love Him, #2 Are called according to His purpose.......He works whatever is happening in our lives for good.
He did not cause the situation to happen, and I do not see a benefit for thanking Him for the pain. Really, thanksgiving to God is for who He is, how good He is to us, and for His will and ability to deliver us every time. It is in line with scripture to thank Him for working everything out for our good.
Also, God loves it when we give him a sacrifice of thanksgiving....meaning we thank Him when it hurts, we don't feel like it, things are not going our way....not for the situation....for the fact that He is with us.
Deuteronomy 31:8 says:
And the LORD, he [it is] that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
He is with us!
Hebrews 13:15:
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.
Admit it that we do not always feel like saying thank you, or praising Him. This is human nature. We talk a lot in our support group, that when we cast our cares on Him, a lightness comes. The same is evident when we thank Him.
This is a key to knowing Him, drawing near to His presence and peace. Praise Him when it hurts, Praise Him when we feel good, just Praise Him.
Psalm 136:1:
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Praise Him for His goodness!
The Harvard study statistics showed that people in pain experienced happiness when they experienced connection from others, knowing they were cared for.
Psalm 27:10
When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.
Even if we have no one, He is with us. Let us remember this during whatever we may face!
Happy Thanksgiving from your Life Betterment Through God team.