…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – I Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

Yes, it is a diversion from Psalms today. I was going to blog on the next verses in Psalm 22, but as I read, considered the truths I was seeing, and started to write, I realized what would happen would be a very long blog. This leads me to think again that God led me to this part of the Bible for my growth and a more detailed work in the form of a devotion.

So, since it is the week of Thanksgiving, I’ll share some scripture on being thankful.

I picked one verse out of I Thessalonians 5, but, like all verses in the Bible, the preceding and following verses tell the whole story, and sometimes, it can be misleading if you pull something out of context. So, my suggestion is to read all of Chapter 5.

Verse 18 is easy to understand. Be thankful no matter what has, is, or will happen in our lives. The importance of that is that it is God’s Will for us in Jesus. As believers, as followers of Jesus, God’s will for us is thankfulness.

I may not post again this week, depending on how Thanksgiving Day preparation goes. My two best friends are coming to have a meal with me. In all I plan to do in preparation, a sometimes difficult task nowadays, God has reminded me that Thanksgiving Day is more than a perfectly prepared meal, a table set with good dishes, football for some, Christmas movies for others, games, and recipe sharing. My friends and I will gather and give thanks through our testimonies, prayer, food, and laughter.

I pray your Thanksgiving is powerful in its reminders of the best of who we can be.

Following are more scriptures on being thankful to meditate on. Blessings – Vicki

• Psalms 107:1 – O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.
• Ephesians 5:20 – Giving thanks, always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
• Psalm 100:4 – Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.