by Jordy van Gaalen

Giving Thanks in All Circumstances

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“Then He took the seven loaves and the fish; and when He had given thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.”
Matthew 15:36 NIV

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’”
Luke 22:19 NIV

“Eucharist,” which is another word for the Lord’s Supper or Communion, derives from the Greek word eucharisteo. During communion, we give thanks for Jesus’ death and sacrifice. 

Eucharisteo in Greek means “thanksgiving.” The root word in Eucharisteo – “Charis” means Grace. A similar word in Greek – “Chara” means “joy.” Thanksgiving, grace, and joy are all intermingled together. They are woven together like the Trinity. 

Thankfulness and grace are inseparable. God’s grace is experienced in thankfulness, especially in times of brokenness. God can work all things for good, even in the most tragic of experiences. In giving thanks to God, for all He is and all He does, we hold a posture of humble obedience as well as being recipients of joy. 

Grumbling is the opposite of thanksgiving. How often do we grumble and complain about our circumstances? I know I harbor discontentment and consternation far too often. I compare myself with others’ lives and see the “missing holes” in mine. I worry about what I don’t have, instead of leaving my life at the foot of the cross, in the hands of my Savior. I grumble about what is wrong with the world or with my country or with my work or with my personal life, rather than raise my eyes to the God of the Universe. 

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. We are to be giving thanks ALWAYS. We are to be living our lives in constant thanks and praise.

God gave up His one and only son Jesus Christ as a sacrifice for us, out of perfect and eternal love for His children. That alone is enough to wake up in full thankfulness. We have life forever with our God and Father. We are loved by the Creator of the Universe. We can have joy no matter our earthly experiences and situations, because of this truth.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado