Thanksgiving

When Paul tells the Thessalonians to “Give thanks in all circumstances” (I Thessalonians 5:18), do we think he meant for us to be thankful in every situation?  Do we believe that it’s even possible to be grateful in all settings of life?  I know that it’s not in my nature to have a sense of gratitude when things do not go my way, but Paul’s not finished with his thought; he goes on to say, “for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

As I reflected on this passage of Scripture, I remembered a scene from Jesus’ life.  In John 11, we are told of a sorrowful situation—the death of Jesus’ friend, Lazarus.

In the story Jesus was surrounded by grief, complaints, anger, misunderstanding, confusion, accusations and unbelief.  Remember what Jesus said in the midst of this turmoil as He stood before Lazarus’ gravesite?  Jesus said out loud, “Father, I thank You…”

Jesus was not thanking God for the pain and suffering that everyone was experiencing, but Jesus offered thanks because, “…You have heard Me.”

What Jesus shows us is that even in our deepest, darkest hour, God is close and He hears us.  Jesus is not finished yet.  Jesus goes on, “I knew that You always hear Me, but I say this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that You sent Me.”

Just as Jesus repeats His message throughout this story, I am grateful that Scripture repeats itself in hopes that we too will hear the One who says, “I am the resurrection and the life.  The One who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die” then asks the question, “Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)

Our answer to Jesus’ question will give us the answers to the questions of thanksgiving.