1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

This command from Paul to the Thessalonians is one of a multitude of places and ways in the Scripture where God commands us to be thankful all the time.  Why?

Why do you think that the Lord gives us such a strong, exhaustive command?  “Give thanks in ALL circumstances”!  Does God need our appreciation? Is this even about God?  Why does the creator of the universe, with no emotional need or lack, command us to live in this place of rejoicing, prayer and thankfulness?  Why?…because it is really good for you, His dearly loved child, and it is really good for our relationship with God.  That is what God is after, He is after your heart, your mind, your soul.  He is after a deeper intimate relationship with you.  Thanksgiving is a major way we open our eyes to the goodness of God and raise our minds and thinking into heaven with our Father.

So often we fall into religious practices of merely reciting our prayers, going to church and doing the stuff of our faith.  We don’t get anything from the practice of religion, it is simply, at best, a pathway that opens the door for the real thing, person to person relationship with God.

Thanksgiving is a specific person to person act; when done right.  You imagine or understand something another person has done for you.  You then give positive feedback to that person.  Kind words, a hug, a smile, a statement of heartfelt appreciation of how you were benefitted by their gift or service.

Thanksgiving is a pathway into the presence of God and our Father really wants you to come and be with Him, remember what He has done, is doing for you.  He then wants to have a party of rejoicing with you, His dearly loved child.  Let give thanks always.  It is a wonderful idea for all involved.