Give Thanks

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“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

‘Tis the season for giving thanks. But my heart is heavy. My husband, Bill, passed away two months ago. We celebrated our 64th wedding anniversary in August. Throughout the day, I think of things I want to tell Bill. But his chair is empty.

However, maybe surprisingly, I feel peace as I thank God during my prayer time.

First of all, I am blessed with a loving, supportive family. And I’m blessed to live in an apartment. As my husband’s health deteriorated, he could no longer care for his beloved flowerbeds or rake leaves. So we downsized and moved from our home of 34 years. I don’t have to worry about shoveling snow or mowing grass.

I’m blessed to have two young friends who look after me when I have doctors’ appointments 25 miles away in the city. They call almost daily to say “hello” and check on my needs.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV)

Thankfulness doesn’t depend on circumstances. You may not have blessings such as I mentioned, but if you open your eyes, you can find things for which to be thankful. Health to care for yourself, food on your table, a job or a hobby you enjoy. Then there are the gifts of our senses–sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell.

Don’t forget to thank God for spiritual blessings. We know Christ provided salvation for us by taking the punishment we deserve for our sins (Romans 6:23). We know God is for us and can use any circumstance to make us more like Christ (Romans 8:28-29).

We know God walks with us through every experience of life (Hebrews 13:5), and he has provided a body of Christ to walk with us as well (Hebrews 10:25).

Even though my heart is heavy and at times tears fall, I will be all right. God has never failed me in the past. Bill was buried next to our daughter. Her death a few hours after her birth was a severe heartbreak as well.

We never “get over” the loss of loved ones, but our losses provide fertile soil for God to work in our lives. As we look to Him, He draws us close and surrounds us with his presence and His love. And I thank Him.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Count the blessings you have noticed so far today, then thank God for them.

2. Remember to include thanksgiving in your daily prayers.

3. What spiritual blessings can you think of besides salvation?