Giving Thanks For All Things
Should I give thanks because bad things happen? This may not necessarily be the point. The point is to give thanks because God is the Giver and Owner of all things. He can give, and He can take away. I can give thanks because every situation, circumstance, or event can be used to show who God is and to bring Him glory. Job expressed that the name of the Lord is honored in everything that occurs, “Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21) Whether God gives or takes, the name of the Lord can be honored and glorified in that situation.
Thanksgiving, however, is not just given with total resignation to the idea that there is no solution for a problem. Philippians 4:6 explains, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” In other words, do not worry about anything. If there is something troubling you, pray about it and bring your supplications to God, but do so with thanksgiving. I can give thanks because God knows my trouble and the right solution. The result of bringing all to God and being thankful to Him is peace. This is expressed in verse seven, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15)