"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:18

On this Sunday before Thanksgiving Day let's see what Scripture has to say concerning being thankful. As we see in our opening verse this is God's will for us, but let's look at verses 16 and 17 as well.

"Rejoice always," Vs. 16
"Pray without ceasing;" Vs. 17
"In every things give thanks..." Vs. 18

There is not a time or a circumstance where we are not to be thankful.
Looking closely, we recognize that giving thanks keeps us aware of God's presence. It reminds us that He is with us in every situation and circumstance, not only in the good things, but the hard things as well. It is in coming to know the reality of Romans 8:28 that our faith and trust in Omnipotent God is firmly rooted.
"And we know that God causes ALL THINGS to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
(My emphasis)
This being so, the command 'in everything give thanks' becomes the natural response to all that happens in our lives.

In looking closely, we also see that this is not just a lip service of thanks, but it is to come from an attitude of rejoicing and an attentiveness to prayer. In Philippians 4 Scripture tells us, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" Vs. 4 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Vs. 6 And the glorious results?
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Vs. 7

These Scriptures in Romans and Philippians indicate trials and testing. They are inevitable! Concerning the trials and testing; they are for our good, for our establishment in Christ and we have the assurance that, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

What is the purpose?
"For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:17-18

So let us be thankful as we are exhorted to do:
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving.
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting." Psalm 100:4-5

In Colossians 1 the Apostle Paul prays,
"...That you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding." Vs. 9 "Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." Vs. 12

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful." Colossians 3:15

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

As you count your blessings on this Thanksgiving Day give God all the glory for they are all from our gracious heavenly Father's hand through our precious loving Lord Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! Praise His Name!  Amen