In all things give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

‍–1 Thessalonians 5:18

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A story is told of Scottish minister Alexander Whyte, who could look at the bleakest situation and yet find something to be thankful for. On a dark Sunday morning, when the weather was freezing, wet, and stormy, one of his deacons whispered, "I am sure the preacher won't be able to thank God for anything on a day like this. It's absolutely horrible outside!" The Pastor began the service by praying, "We thank Thee, O God, that the weather is not always like this."

Or a similar account of a well-known English preacher was famous for giving thanks in every situation. One Sunday, a deacon approached him before the service and said, "Pastor, the boiler broke. There is no heat. The congregation is freezing." The preacher smiled and prayed, "Lord, we thank Thee for a place to worship, and for people willing to worship even when it's cold."

Then there's this response from a missionary in Africa who learned his supply crate had been lost in the river, which meant everything was gone—food, clothing, medicines. His assistant expected despair. Instead, the missionary bowed his head and said, "Father, we thank You that the boat did not sink while our brothers were in it."

The apostle Paul also saw the best in every situation. Considering his circumstances- that he was chained to soldiers of the Praetorian Guard- He viewed hardship as an opportunity to win others to Christ!

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Expressing gratitude for whatever woes and foes may confront you (sunken crates, broken boilers, wet, cold, and wintry weather, prison) suggests a deeper level of Christian maturity. Believing that nothing reaches you without first getting sifted through the Father's hands, especially when it brings pain, is a different level of trust.

As followers of Christ, do we really believe God's hand controls everything? Even the things we consider bad? The middle part of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 makes the case… "For this is God's will for you."

Does this mean we're supposed to genuinely say, "Thank you, God," for every hardship, setback, and difficulty? Let me answer it this way.

Scripture's oldest book, Job, asks, "Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?"

So yes, we are called to express gratitude in all things, knowing that the Lord always has our best interests in view. Always.

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‍Tangibly, how can you and your family put this into practice this Thanksgiving?

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I suggest starting a brand-new tradition by opening up the floor for family members to share "This is what I'm grateful for" before blessing the food. I suggest prepping two to three people in advance to get the ball rolling. Others will follow suit, I promise.

Or another idea from a family that puts 20 verses in a jar, and each member pulls one out to read and shares what they're thankful for based on that verse.

Kids love traditions, and kids learn with their eyes as well as their ears. If they see (and hear) those with whom they're closest thanking the Lord in all things, maybe one day they'll lead their own families to do the same.

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Jesus said, "For those who have ears to hear, let them hear."