Thanksgiving Hope - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

While there are aspects of God’s will which are mysterious to us, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 makes a clear declaration concerning the will of God. It is God’s will that we give Him thanks for everything. Everything means at all times we are to recognize that all things are coming into my life from God. God is working in all things to develop a heart attitude of gratitude in us. This is a valuable lesson for us to learn. This heart attitude of thanksgiving is the lifestyle for the believer. This is how the Lord wants us to live. The word thanksgiving literally means, well joy. This joy is experienced in our union with God. My loyalty is to God and His will for my life. The outcome of performing God’s will is applied as I live in the realm of thanksgiving. This verse calls me to give attention to God’s will and Christ Jesus. What will help me develop a heart of gratitude is focusing on the nature and character of God, along with fixing my eyes on my great High Priest and the One Who will help me in my time of need.