Thanksgiving: How to Find Joy When We Don't Feel It
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things”
- Psalm 107; 1, 8-9
Last Sunday at our Thanksgiving Service, Daniel spoke about finding joy when we do not feel it. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is a consequence of practicing thankfulness. God wants his people to practice thankfulness in every circumstance:
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:16-17)
The Apostle Paul exampled joy unbridled by circumstances. He was imprisoned, held before tribunals to defend the faith, and faced vengeant rivals. All the while maintaining joy in the Gospel. Christians should reflect upon their source of joy and if it is not Christ, repent for entrusting their joy elsewhere. A life of thanksgiving is evidenced by selflessness, participation in another believer’s journey and perpetuated gratitude for God’s work.
S E L F L E S S N E S S
In the book of Philippians, Paul writes to exhort the young Church of Philippi to rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 3:4) and implored them to take on an attitude of selflessness which would be their fountain of joy. At the time of writing, Paul was in prison, criticised by his peers and yet had an intimate communion with God. Like Paul, having a heart that walks in the Holy Spirit means you aren’t concerned with your own welfare, but the welfare of others. The selflessness Paul was imploring the Philippians to replicate was a reflection of the Trinity who by nature, possess qualities of love and communication.
P A R T I C I P A T I O N
Paul partnered with the Philippian Church financially and prayerfully, that the church may abound in love “more and more in knowledge and depth of insight” (Philippians 1:9). In this same manner, living with the attitude of thankfulness produces partnership with others. Partnership meant that the Philippians were able to believe in the Gospel (Acts 16:14-15), they supported the work of the Gospel (Philippians 4:15-18), and they lived out the Gospel (2 Corinthians 8:1-3). We must participate in the lives of others.
G R A T I T U D E
Salvation is the reason that Jesus began his ministry involving healing works, casting out of impure spirits, spiritual restoration and the like. Salvation should be one of the many things Christians are thankful for knowing about, having and being able to tell others about. In Philippians 1, verse 6 it says that Paul was thankful and filled with joy knowing with confidence that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Chrst Jesus” who will return.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being our God who loves his people and desires a relationship with us. Thank you for gifting us with salvation and for sending your son, Jesus Christ. Would you stir an attitude of thankfuless in your people, so that we may be thankful in all situations. Thank you for your joy that is not based on circumstances, and freely flows from you. In your holy and precious name,
Amen.