In many households across Canada last weekend we gathered together with family and friends, cooking up feasts, enjoying the crisp autumn air and considering all we have to be thankful for. For many it was a wonderful time full of happiness and laughter, and for others it may have included some sorrow and grief. As we consider the things the past year has held we may find loved ones no longer with us, illnesses or injuries, lost jobs, growing debts, broken relationships, pain and struggle. This time of year might be a difficult or even bitter one for some. It may be very hard to feel thankful some days. And if we’ve been spared most of these things this year, the year to come may have some in store for us.
And so how do we stay strong in the hard times? How do we remain unshaken by difficulties? How, as we’re told in the Bible (1 Thess 5:18), do we “give thanks in all circumstances”?
Well, we can begin by being thankful that God has given us an answer to this question. He has done such an incredible thing in Jesus that we have extraordinary promises to be thankful for that never fade or run out or pass away or will ever be taken from us. Remembering all these things is how we as Christians become mature and strengthened in Christ.
Here’s a start. Here are 7 unchanging, life-giving truths to remember that can make our thankfulness unshakeable:
1. I am never alone.
God is always with us. Jesus promises he is with us always. And we know that the Holy Spirit lives inside of us even now.
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. Ps. 139:7-8 NIV“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matt. 28:20 NLT
All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 1 John 4:15
2. I am always loved.
God loves us 100% no matter who we are or what we do.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— Eph. 2:4-5
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:38-39
3. No government or authority or force or power even compares to my Heavenly Father.
No king or prime minister or president or parliament or terrorist or legislation or hurricane or super nova even comes close to the power and glory of our God.
“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God” Deut. 10:17
All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:3
He[Jesus] is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power Heb. 1:3
4. I don’t ever have to worry or be afraid.
Our God and Father and Friend made and upholds the universe, he’s always with us and he always loves us. So, we don’t ever have to be afraid.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matt.6:31-33
5. I am always accepted and part of an incredible family.
Because we are in Christ we are alive to God and made new and adopted into God’s family. God is our good Father, Jesus is our King and elder brother and all Christians are our brothers and sisters. Forever.
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God Rom. 8:15-16
6. I am never a disappointment or displeasing to God.
For all of us who believe in Jesus God lives in us and we live in God. The Bible tells us God has united us with Jesus and we have been made heirs with him (Rom 8:17). And so everything that Jesus is we are also. And everything Jesus has been given we have been given too. So, just as Jesus is never a disappointment or displeasing to God, neither are we because we are in Christ.
God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. 1 Cor 1:30
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Rom. 8:1
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Gal. 2:20
7. The Lord will wipe every tear from our eyes.
Jesus is coming back to earth. He is with us by his Spirit now, but every day we get one day closer to when he will return in his fullness to reign as King and make all things right.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Rev. 21:4
As Christians we have immeasurable blessings and riches to be thankful for because of God’s love for us in Jesus (Eph 2:7). And they are treasures that He keeps safe for us and will last forever. Thinking on these things, remembering them, praying that God would reveal to us the truth of them is what can make our thankfulness unshakeable.
So, if we’re alone on Thanksgiving or our family doesn’t get along or the turkey is too dry or we look back on a past year of pain and loss, struggle and regret let’s remember there’s more to our story. So much more. Because Jesus has rescued us. We’re never alone. We’re never unloved or unwanted. We’re never poor or unprotected. We’re never without certain hope.
Instead of being swayed by our circumstances, when we remember the gospel– all we have in Jesus–, we can become strengthened and mature in Him and we can persevere through anything, abounding in thanksgiving! Thank you, Jesus!
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Col 2:6-7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7 NLT
I am trying to be thankful everyday. This gives us a good outline. Blessings to you all.