As the year 2015 draws to a close, we can look back and be thankful for all the Lord has done for us. Even though it seems like the world and our nation is in a moral decline, and in spite of trials, crises, and troubles in our lives, we are to give thanks to the Lord. In Ephesians 5:20, we are exhorted to give “thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are challenged, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
It is God’s desire that we be thankful in all situations, at all times, without exception. But how can I be thankful when everything seems to be going wrong? or when I am extremely ill? or when I have just been ridiculed by a colleague at work? It is God’s grace that makes it possible for us to be thankful. It is that same grace that reminds us to be thankful even in a hopeless situation.
The Greek word for thanksgiving is “eucharistia”. You will notice that embedded in that Greek word is another word “charis.” Can you guess what charis means? It means grace. And the key to receiving this grace is to be humble (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5). So, in the midst of a trial, when we humble ourselves before God, His grace is poured out on us and one result of that grace is a thankful heart.
