Always Giving Thanks

Sing and make music to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. -Ephesians 5:19b-20


Today's Scripture raises big - and honest - questions. Paul tells us we must be "always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." For everything? How I have wrestled with those words! The Bible says we're to give thanks, not only for the good stuff and the happy moments, but also for those hurtful, crushing, heartbreaking, out-of-control moments as well. He asks us to see life from His point of view. Paul's command begins with giving thanks to the Father and ends with the name of Jesus. All the events of our lives are bookended by the Father and the Son. Everything that touches us comes from His hand. He sees how it will all fit together. He sees right now how you will one day be healed and how the tears, bruises, setbacks, and sorrows of this life have worked for the glory of His name.

Lord, I do thank You - for all the painful and difficult things I have experienced. I can endure whatever You allow to touch my life, knowing that my few years are cupped in Your hands, and that You love me and work every moment for my best and for Your glory.

-From A Spectacle of Glory by Joni Eareckson Tada; p. 109

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