If you have ever gone searching for Scripture passages that have to do with giving thanks or being thankful, you will know that there are plenty of them to be found – especially in the letters of Paul. In fact, a number of passages mention giving thanks at all times and in all circumstances (Eph. 5:20; 1 Th. 5:17-18; Phil. 4:6-7, 11-12).
     Once you know a little bit about what Paul experienced, it becomes obvious that he really did mean in all circumstances! Having been imprisoned, tortured, beaten, and ship-wrecked, among other things, Paul writes that he has learned to be content with whatever he has (Phil. 4:11). Paul learned how to focus on the things that were a cause for thanksgiving, and the number one thing in his life for which he was thankful was “the surpassing value” of knowing Jesus Christ as Lord (Phil. 3:8). Because of that one, incredible blessing, Paul was able to view the hardships in his life as simply minor annoyances along the way.
     However, we do need to keep in mind that all of these things that Paul experienced were the result of him being called to preach the good news about Jesus Christ. If he were being beaten by a family member or abused by somebody whom he had trusted, he would not be talking about being content and giving thanks. Such a situation would have had nothing to do with God’s will for him. We need to be careful here in recognizing that we are not called to be content with situations that are directed by human sinfulness rather than by God.
     And so, can we talk about giving thanks, regardless of our circumstances? I think that we can, but the thanksgiving has to be linked to seeking God’s will and direction for our lives. I would never tell somebody who is being abused to be content and to give thanks. God is not content with abuse. Why should we be? No – giving thanks and learning to be content has to go along with seeking to live in God’s Way.
As you may have already discovered, faith in Jesus Christ does not guarantee a worry-free life. In fact, it is often during our times of greatest struggle that our faith grows the most.
     “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7)
Giving thanks, praying, and inner peace are not all in the same passage by accident. They are intricately connected. Yet, it takes some of us longer than others to get there.
     Over the past couple of years, I experienced a gradual change in my attitude which led me into thankfulness. I began to be aware of all of the blessings which God has given to me. I was able to be thankful for the smallest of things – things like a good cup of coffee or a beautiful sunset. At the same time, I was able to give everything to God in prayer and to accept whatever God has in mind for me. I discovered that prayer with thanksgiving and peace really do go together.
     So often we tend to focus on what we don’t have. We do it as individuals and we do it as a congregation, too. Yet, we really have been blessed, especially in this congregation. Let us continue to seek God’s will for us in our life together with thankfulness and praise. We truly have been blessed to be a blessing!

     In Christ,

     Pastor Lynne Hutchison