Give Thanks in All Things
In the Christian community thankfulness is just what it is anywhere else in the Christian life. Only he who gives thanks for little things receives the big things. We prevent God from giving us the great spiritual gifts He has in store for us, because we do not give thanks for daily gifts. We think we dare not be satisfied with the small measure of spiritual knowledge, experience, and love that has been given to us, and that we must constantly be looking forward eagerly for the highest good. Then we deplore the fact that we lack the deep certainty, the strong faith, and the rich experience that God has given to others, and we consider this lament to be pious. We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts. How can God entrust great things to one who will not thankfully receive from Him the little things?
—Dietrich Bonhoeffer
1 Thes. 5:18 reads, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Being thankful in all things aligns our hearts with God’s heart. More than that, thankfulness refreshes our hearts and reframes our vision—as we begin to see all things as blessings from the hand of our God. Even the things we cannot understand, if we can welcome them in thanksgiving, we will be comforted in knowing our good and loving God is at work in them all. Cultivate a heart of thankfulness. You’ll be happier and more confident for it. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics