Thanksgiving – The Believer’s Dialect
Written by Debby Baril
The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 11:24-27, shares of his life experiences that leaves me reeling at the sheer intensity of it. Whipped, beaten, stoned, and shipwrecked. In danger from rivers, bandits, fellow Jews, and Gentiles; danger in the city, the country, and at sea; times without sleep, food, or water.
This is the man who wrote, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (I Thessalonians 5:18)
Seriously? How?
A. Paul Focused on Christ
Philippians 3:8 – What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.
Paul was more concerned with knowing Christ than his circumstances. He allowed trials to develop humility and dependency on God, confident that God would use them as a catalyst to greater maturity, wisdom, and usefulness.
B. Paul Focused on Being Like Christ
Romans 8:28-29 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…”
Paul knew that even the most painful circumstances would work to his good and in the process, he would be made more like Christ.
C. Paul Focused on Being a Witness
Acts 16:23, 25 – After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully... About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
As they prayed and sang, God shook the prison, and everyone was set free. The jailer thought everyone escaped and was going to kill himself. Paul stops him and the jailer and his household gave their lives to Christ.
D. Paul Focused on the Solution
Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Paul knew that prayer WITH thanksgiving ushers in the peace of God to guard our hearts and minds. Research confirms that gratitude enriches us on every level, boosting mental and physical health.
Ephesians 5:4 MSG –Though some tongues just love the taste of gossip, Christians have better uses for language than that…Thanksgiving is our dialect.
Consider:
Let’s become fluent in gratitude!
The complainer is never satisfied, the grateful find joy in everything.
The complainer finds comfort in nothing, the grateful find comfort in everything.
Do I give thanks in everything, or do I hardly give thanks in anything?
