Transcript:

Hello, this is Pastor Don of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome to The Kingdom Perspective.

What is God’s will for you as you face the difficult circumstances of your life?

You should give thanks! The Scriptures command us: “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB). We are to give “thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).

You see, Christians ought to be the most grateful people. Our hearts ought to overflow with an attitude of gratitude at every turn, because we know that God our heavenly Father is sovereign over every situation and is orchestrating all things, even the difficult and challenging, for our good.

So much of life is a matter of perspective, and that is often determined by whether or not you practice the art of thankfulness. Studies show that those who practice gratitude (thinking about and thanking others on a daily basis) are happier than those who don’t. This only makes sense, because nothing is more therapeutic than getting our eyes off our selves.

We have so much to be thankful for—
• Food and shelter
• Friends and family
• The simple pleasures of life
• Etc.

And, of course, the greatest reason to give thanks is for God Himself and the grace that He has lavished upon us in Christ Jesus.

Here’s my advice. Take a moment today to express your thanks. It will cost you very little, but you’ll gain so much.

Something to think about from The Kingdom Perspective.

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)