“…And always be thankful.”-Colossians 3:15
At this very moment, struggles, troubles, and hardships abound in people's lives. For one person, their job is really difficult right now. For another, anxiety seems to have a tight grip on their heart. One may be battling discouragement due to something spiritual, relational, or physical. Another may be struggling with forgiveness or hidden sin. Truth be told, life can just be flat-out hard at times. Can you relate? Perhaps even now, you are experiencing such a valley in your life. We all face hardships. It makes sense that Jesus clearly stated that such trials and sorrows will occur in this life (John 16:33).
Even so, we are given this word from God at the end of Colossians 3:15: “And always be thankful." Notice it does not say, "When life is smooth, be thankful." It doesn't say, "In times of ease, be thankful." It certainly isn't stated, "When it feels right, be thankful." What it actually does say is, "ALWAYS BE THANKFUL." Allow the word always to really sink in. Always means all the time. Let's not forget how it's similarly put in Ephesians 5:20: “...giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..." We are commanded to constantly be thankful. Why? Because God says so. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us that thankfulness in every situation is His will for us. That statement alone is enough for us to then choose gratitude no matter what is going on in our lives. But let's also keep this in mind, God gives us intsructions because He's ever good and always knows what's good for us. He knows what we need. Max Lucado discerningly put it, “The good life begins not when circumstances change but when our attitude toward them does...It's no wonder, then, that God’s anxiety therapy includes a large, delightful dollop of gratitude. Make sure you’ve got plenty.”
May we all be cheered on today to remember this very simple, yet powerfully profound word from God: ”And always be thankful." Take time to thank Him! He's our help. He's always great. Thank Him for His grace, wisdom, power, patience, and unfailing love. Let's even thank Him for struggles. In His divine wisdom, He tells us to continually choose thankfulness. He knows what He's doing. He knows it's ever for our good to be constantly grateful.
Godspeed, friends!
-Scott