Introductory Thoughts
Men generally find time to thank God for things which they deem to be good or strictly positive. Yet, the Bible admonishes us to be thankful “for all things.” This means that we should thank God for blessings and trials; for health and sickness; for gain and loss; for peace and troubles. This may seem strange but becomes much more feasible when we understand the truth of Romans 8:28. God takes all things, good and bad, and makes them work together for our good. As such, we ought to be willing to give God thanks “for all things” knowing that He will, in turn, use them for our benefit. Failure to grasp this truth is a failure to trust God's goodness and wisdom. God can and will use even the negative things in your life to help you grow and develop as His child.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): It is no fun being sick. But when it happens, you can still find things for which to be thankful. You can thank God for the doctor who prescribes the medicine, for mom who gives special care and attention, and for brothers and sisters who pray for you.
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(For everyone): What trials are you facing today? What burdens are you bearing? What are the things troubling your soul? Have you thanked God for those things?
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Murmuring and thanksgiving are at opposite ends of the spectrum. We cannot do both simultaneously. Are you murmuring or trying to be truly thankful for even the trials, heartaches, and troubles?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to forgive you for complaining about your trials.
- Ask God to help you to be thankful for all things.
Song
Thanks to God
