Giving thanks always

Ephesians 5:20

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This verse is an all-encompassing command for all Christians. It may be ignored or disregarded, but that will be against the will of the Lord, and to our own peril. For we are told what His will is, without exception, that we are to give thanks always for all things. Not only are we to be always giving thanks, but we are to be giving thanks for all things. And how is this to be done? We can give thanks because we know Christ has given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor. Because He has given Himself for us, we have no reason to complain. We we have all in Him! Our future is secure! Heaven is our home! Why would we complain, when we have not the condemnation of Hell waiting for us. Instead we have the promise of eternal life! Give thanks always!

But further, we can give thanks in all things because we know our Lord is guiding us, always by our side, and therefore is working all things for our good. The apostle tells us in 1 Thessalonians that giving thanks is “the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” For we know that He is with us. He never will forsake us! “All things work together for good to them that love God!” He is with us “alway, even unto the end of the world.” He is our constant friend, our companion, and our helper. “The Lord is my helper!” “I will not fear what man shall do unto me!” I can know, that in all things, the Lord is at work. All things! All things! Every thing! Always give thanks, my dear friend! Don’t ever stop! Thank Him evening, morning, and at noon! Thank Him during the day, and in the night seasons! No exceptions! No exemptions! Praise Him! And do it always and for all things;and always do this unto God the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

“Father, we know that it is your will that we constantly thank you for all things. May this be a daily activity, and a continual activity. For we know that your presence, your promises, and your peace is available to us moment by moment. Help us to rest in these things, and thereby give thanks always for all things. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.”