Giving thanks...

Obviously it's Thanksgiving and it's a time to reflect on all our blessings and give thanks. But how often do we give thanks to the Lord even when it's not easy. Sure, we can thanks God when all is well, but do we still thanks him when things aren't.

It's been a rough week for my families on both sides and many of our friends. It just seems like some many people I know and love are hurting and must not be full of thanks for their circumstances.

And pardon me for getting preachy here, but really, this is more for me than any one person... but here's what God's word says on the matter - in three different versions.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
(New International Version)
16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

(Amplified Bible)
16Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always);
17Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];
18Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].

(Contemporary English Version)
16Always be joyful 17and never stop praying. 18Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.

So, as we're in a pickle of a situation, or the ones we love are hurting, or as it seems our world is falling in, stop and thank God. Not for the pain or suffering, but for growing us, strengthening us and loving us despite all our faults and shortcomings. Thank him for the little things - that last breath of air you just took, the heart beating in your chest, the love of a spouse or friend, the forgiveness he's given and the ability to forgive others.

So, I'll end today's ramblings with some lyrics. I totally got these from a recent Sunday School lesson, but it's all the same. Meditate and think about how good God is...

Blessed be Your name

in the land that is plentiful

Where Your streams of abundance flow

Blessed be Your name

And blessed be Your name

when I'm found in the desert place

Though I walk through the wilderness

Blessed be your name

Every blessing You pour out

I'll turn back to praise

And when the darkness closes in Lord

Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name

when the sun's shining down on me

When the world's "all as it should be"

Blessed be Your name

And blessed be Your name

on the road marked with suffering

Though there's pain in the offering

Blessed be Your name

You give and take away

You give and take away

My heart will choose to say

Lord, blessed be Your name