He spoke the world into being, created everything that exists, placed the planets in space, set the seasons in motion and continues to sustain the totality of all that is, yet, Jesus left us with a beautiful example of giving thanks

• It’s amazing how the Bread of Life was thankful for His daily bread—Matthew 15:36 (NLT)—Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd (See also John 6:11).
• The one who is our Wisdom was thankful for the wisdom given to the simple. Matthew 11:25 (NLT)—At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.
• The One whose words move mountains and thunders through the heavens, speaks words of thanksgiving to the Heavenly Father for hearing and answering His prayer—John 11:40-42 (NLT)—Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.”
• The One who established the Passover, became the Passover Lamb. Yet before He took His place on the cross as the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world, He gave thanks to the Heavenly Father—Matthew 26:26-27 (NLT)—As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body, And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them saying, Drink ye all of it”

Jesus leaves us the perfect example of what it means to be thankful. Whether eating, seeking wisdom, living to glorify Christ or facing difficult days and challenging circumstances or uncertainty of the future, we must maintain a heart of thanksgiving. You therefore understand the admonition of those who walked this path of life—1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)—In everything, give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

As we start each day let us celebrate with thanksgiving for all He is and all He has done, being painfully aware that this may be a difficult time for you. Life isn’t always easy. Yet, Jesus has come that we might have life and have it more abundantly. He has called us to be thankful regardless of our circumstances. After Job’s reflection in Job 2:10b—Why do we thank God when things are good, but not when they are bad?—should we only expect that which is good and easy?

Our thanks is to God because He is God and He is good—regardless of what our life may whisper in our ears. No wonder the Word of God tells us to give thanks in everything, for this is the will of God. Have you thought about how Jesus left us a pattern of thanksgiving? Do you struggle with being thankful in all things? Let us follow in His footsteps and we shall have cause to be victorious.

Shalom

Pastor Afolabi Oladele