"Thanks"

I do not always praise Him,

Though I know I should,

Giving thanks in everything,

Is. what I know I could.

But sometimes I complain some,

And talk about what’s wrong,

Might be the Covid virus,

Or pain that lasts too long.

I voice my disapproval,

Of one thing or another,

And fall into the argument,

Folks are having with each other.

Yes, we have the freedom,

To speak what’s on our mind,

But we belong to Jesus,

And with His Spirit find,

The way to be so thankful,

We don’t have time to whine,

But fill our mouths with worship,

And that’s all of the time.

I think it’s just rehearsal,

For when this life will end,

And we join those in heaven,

The big praise will begin.

So practice while we’re living,

The party in the sky,

And give Him thanks in all things,

Before the by and by.

“Be thankful in all circumstances…” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT)

I know people who have learned to be thankful in all circumstances. They are a pleasure to be around. Why? It’s because they are not spreading the negative news of the day. They are not whining, complaining, or arguing. Instead, they are looking past their troubles to Jesus. They are confessing Him as Lord, and trusting Him to meet their needs. They are confident in the grace of God and the strength that the Lord provides. They are content with His current provision and are not intimidated by the threat of a future need. They rest in the Lord, and in the power of His might. They are Spirit-filled. Their lives are a sacrifice of praise. I want to be more like them.

Lord, help us learn to be thankful in all circumstances, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Mark Maggiori, markmaggiori.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Mark, and God bless you.