I read this today in an article by a Christian. Could it be true?

Let’s think about that. Giving thanks is not just for Thanksgiving Day, it is to be an integral part of our lives, permeating our thoughts, our words, our actions, In fact giving thanks is not a suggestion, in the Bible it is a command. Here are a two:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in EVERY situation, by prayer and petition, WITH THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God.” Phil 4:6 

 “….give THANKS IN ALL circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

As I think on it, giving thanks does several things, among them:

First it demonstrates trust in God. We can thank Him for things we like, and for things we don’t like because we know God is good, has a plan and will use all He allows into our lives for good.

Second, this trust in thanksgiving brings great honor to God (Psalm 50:23).

Third, it partners us with God in what He is doing; we are “in tune with Him and can follow Him with a clear mind.  In contrast, grumbling leaves us stuck in our own selfish, minuscule thoughts and desires.

Fourth, it gives us perspective. So often we purchase things on a whim, it just feels good to buy. And when we are down, many people go shopping to give themselves a lift.

But when we are in the habit of thanking God for all we have, as it says in Phil 4:7, “…the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

In this peace, we can see that what we have is more than enough and find our “lift” in God’s goodness and love, not in getting more. This will then help our finances as we spend less and are content with what we have.

So, let’s work on giving thanks in all things and see how God changes us from the inside out!