“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (I Thessalonians 5:18).

One reason God wants us to concentrate on giving thanks is because the person who is really thankful doesn’t have time to be a complainer! What are you thankful for?

Of course, someone may be thinking, “If you just knew the mess I’m in, you’d find it pretty hard to be thankful about anything!” Even when you find yourself in the midst of difficult circumstances, there are many things for which you can give thanks to God.

First, there is the Bible — the Word of God. It reveals to us what God wants us to know about Himself and His plan for our salvation and how to live as a child of God. Many people in this world would give practically anything just to hold a copy of the Bible in their hands. How grateful we should be for the Word of God!

What about your church? It’s a place for learning what the Bible teaches and also for warm Christian fellowship, as well as a place to serve others.

Do you ever thank the Lord for Christian radio and television programs which help you in your Christian life? When I was a young believer, Christian radio programs gave me a reminder during the week that my life was to count for God every day, and not just on Sunday.

Have you ever thought about the value of Christian literature? Just imagine what it would be like to be without any Christian books, magazines, or any kind of printed material available in your language.

What about Christian music? Have you ever been discouraged or upset about something? Then, at just the right moment, God allowed you to hear a song that turned your attention from your problem to the Lord. That has happened to me many times.

Have you ever been thankful for the opportunity to serve the Lord? Just think about that privilege — serving the God Who created the whole universe. What an honor!

How about your family? Speaking personally, I do not know where I would be today without the love and support of my precious wife and family members. What a wonderful gift of God!

Some of the greatest gifts God gives us in our lives are Christian friends. I am very thankful for friends who care about me and who let me know in various ways that they do. Friendships double your joys and halve your sorrows. Maybe you have a friend to whom you should give a word of appreciation.

Did you know that God says to give thanks even when you have problems? Remember, He said to give thanks in every circumstance. “Well,” you say, “how can I give thanks for something that seems so bad right now?” Here is how. You have to look ahead by faith to see what God is going to accomplish through those circumstances, and then thank Him in advance for what the difficulties will do for you. That’s thanking God by faith ahead of time for what you know is going to result in your good, even though now it doesn’t look like anything good could possibly come from it.

Then, there is God’s greatest gift of all — salvation through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. We can say with the apostle, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift” (II Corinthians 9:15).

I am sure you can find many other things for which you can give thanks. Whatever your situation, just remember to give thanks in all things, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!