This is the command of Scripture, and perhaps presents one of the greatest challenges for the Christian. In fact, it is impossible to maintain an attitude of gratitude in our own strength. As with any command found in the Bible, God provides that which is needed to fulfill the imperative. A walk by faith, using the principles and promises of the Word of God, enables us to be thankful regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves. While the walk of the believer is to be marked by thanksgiving, there are specific areas which we recall to our thinking at this time. First, we live in a land that was founded on principles of freedom and the worth of the individual to pursue a course in life of his or her choosing. Secondly, this is predicated on the determination of our forefathers to provide a form of government in which each individual would have the freedom to worship as one chose. As believers in Christ, we are grateful for the marvelous gift of the Savior, freely given by the Father to mankind. Paul wrote to the Corinthians --
… “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”(II Cor 9:15 NKJV)
We are also thankful for the provision and protection that is ours, where we live, our friends and our families. Israel’s King David expressed this gratitude in his songs of praise --
… “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”(Ps 107:1 NKJV)
It is this attitude of thanksgiving that can permeate a relationship or even a community of people and make it truly wonderful. Perhaps we should check our gratitude gauge. The Scriptures do not allow us to be complainers without reprimand. In fact, we are told to be thankful in all things. The Apostle Paul had learned from experience that adversity did not have to defeat him in accomplishing that which God designed for his life. Thus to the Christians in Thessalonica he wrote --
… “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”(1 Thess 5:18 KJV)
That is a tall order! If that is the will of God, and it is, then it is imperative that we develop, from a spiritual basis, an environment of thanksgiving that will have an impact on every facet of life. Instead of reaction, kindness and thoughtfulness can be expressed. Instead of animosity, an attitude of prayer for that individual or situation can be offered. Instead of complaining, thanksgiving should be the mark of the person who is walking by faith in the Word. Most of all, thanksgiving should be at the core of every prayer to the Father. It is too often that prayer is reduced to just requests and there is failure to give thanks for even the privilege of prayer, or for answers to prayer. When we fail to be thankful, we will find ourselves fretting and worrying over those details of life that should be turned over to the Lord in prayer. That is why Paul told the Philippian Christians --
… “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”(Phil 4:6 - 7 NKJV)