By Alexis Patterson
Along life’s journey there will be plenty of distractions to take our attention off all that is good with God and in this world. We will be tempted—taunted, even—to look at life through a glass-half-full perspective, but God’s Word encourages us to live thankful lives: lives that sing God’s praises in any and all circumstances.
One of my favorite Scriptures is when Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV). Jesus told us that having troubles was a part of some of our experiences on this side of heaven. It’s the last part of what He says that makes me so thankful: “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” It gives me so much encouragement just knowing that my Savior has overcome all that would disappoint and hurt me.
Let’s face it: Living out thankfulness in the here and now is easier said than done. Disappointment, discouragement, doubt and defeat seem to cloud my better judgment of what I know to be true. But there are several places in the Bible that remind us of the importance of being thankful. I came upon 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18, which gives an amazing description of how to live a life of thanksgiving. It reads, “See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Reading this Scripture is like reading the ultimate blueprint on thankfulness. How does someone live a life of thanksgiving? I would take that Scripture and list it like this:
Refrain from evil.
Pursue what is good for everyone.
Rejoice always.
Pray constantly.
Give thanks in all circumstances.
Living this way is actually contagious. People will want to know how you stay so radiant, and how you keep your light shining even when circumstances seem dark. You can point them to 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18. The last part of verse 18 says, “For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” It’s God’s will for you to be thankful. While it still remains your choice, it makes life a lot sweeter to be in God’s will.
So, just be thankful! Thank God genuinely and often. Show your appreciation for life and others. We all have our own “hard,” but it doesn’t have to be the thing that people see first. Help others see Jesus through the hard parts of your life. It may not be easy, but if you wake up everyday and take your best attempt at steps 1-5 of living a life of thanksgiving, I promise life for you will be sweeter.