August 9          

Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father.  Ephesians 5:19-20

Others have said that this verse requires us to give thanks for all things.  No matter how awful, no matter how unrealistic, we are to give thanks for the circumstances.  However, that kind of thanks will only carry us so far.  It does not get to the ultimate source of curing and comfort that is available.  When we look at the entire context of this passage, we see that the focus of our thanksgiving should be the Lord, as we make melody with our heart to Him.  I can be thankful that He is with me in the circumstances, that He alone will provide the solution or cure that is needed, and that everything is an opportunity for Him to show me more of Himself.  The outcome will be more maturity and receptiveness on my part so that I can be conformed to the image of His Son.

This concept is further reinforced in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, where it says “in everything give thanks”.  My only hope of giving thanks would be for me to be thinking of Christ and Him with me.  That will always lead to the promise and the sustaining grace that sees me through the circumstance.

Thank you, Lord, that You are with me today.  I will encounter some unknowns as I venture though life’s circumstances.  But I will be comforted by Your presence, and, if I am confronted by events for which I seem to have no answer, they will become an opportunity to turn in thanksgiving to You.  Deep down inside me, I know that You have the answers and the love to see everything through for Your glory.  I cling to You.  Amen.

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