Giving Thanks Always

"...Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,"

-Ephesians 5:20

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the U.S, a time to count your blessings, spend time with family, and eat good food. But amid all the holiday hype, what does it really mean to give thanks biblically?

Our verse says give thanks always for all things. The Greek word there for giving thanks is eucharistountes. The meaning of the word goes beyond mere thankfulness; it embodies a sense of gratitude and a recognition of grace. The word used for always is pantote, meaning, obviously, at all times. It is also used to express the idea of continuity or perpetuity in time, signifying that we are to give thanks -recognize God's grace- continuously, without ceasing.

We often forget these truths. But biblical gratitude is more than just saying "thank you" to God once a year for the good, pleasant things in our lives. Rather, it is an acknowledgement of God's goodness and grace in every circumstance. Even during hard times, when we feel we can find nothing to be thankful for, we must remember all God has done, all He is doing, and all He will do, and rest in His promises and faithfulness. He has redeemed us and sanctified us. He is holding us together, giving us each breath we breathe. And He has prepared a place for us where there will be no more death, sorrow, tears, pain or fear. In everything He is faithful, in everything He is good. He has bestowed upon us blessings that we cannot even begin to count or comprehend, just a few of which are His precious Word, the incredible gift of prayer, and the opportunity for fellowship with other believers. 

This Thanksgiving, take a moment and reflect on the biblical stance of gratitude. And, remember the ultimate Gift the Lord has given us, for which we must be infinitely thankful; His Son Jesus, His finished work on the cross that saved us, and the wonderful hope we have in Him no matter the circumstance.