Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. – John 6:11

What is your Thanksgiving Quotient? In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, the apostle Paul writes, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” All circumstances may seem a challenging charge, because it can be difficult to be thankful in the midst of some of the things that happen to you or those around you.  

The prime example of the kind of thankful life you are called to live is found in Jesus. On six different occasions, the Bible records Him giving thanks to the Father. In Matthew 11 and again in Luke 10, Jesus is recorded as thanking (some versions say ”praising”) the Father for hiding things from people who might take the knowledge and exploit it, yet revealing those hidden things to children. While this may seem perplexing, Jesus not only acknowledges the current actions of the Father, but also references the Father’s ultimate authority over all things.  

Jesus gave thanks for the Father’s provision both when He fed the 4,000 (Matthew 15) and the 5,000 (John 16). Jesus thanked Him for the power over life and death before raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11). At the time of the Last Supper, Jesus gave thanks before breaking the bread and again before sharing the wine, knowing full well what was ahead of Him, how He would suffer and die. Christ also knew that, in establishing that sacrament for believers to carry forward, the power of His death and resurrection, as well as His coming again, would be acknowledged forever. His example for you was to be thankful in good, difficult, and perplexing times. 

Does your “T.Q.“ extend beyond just the good times in life? Are you able to give thanks in the hard situations, knowing God is working out what lies ahead? When you are perplexed, are you able to remain grateful for His faithfulness in your life? As the U.S. celebrates a day of thanksgiving this month, develop the habit of being thankful each day, no matter what it brings.