Finding Thankfulness

Being in Tchad for Thanksgiving was very interesting to say the least. It is very difficult to find things to be thankful for in a places devestated with sickness, poverty, violence, and death. Many people look to the nasaras and ask "how can we be thankful for this?" in regards to Tchad or their current sitation. It is a tough question to answer. We could tell them that every place has their own problems. Tchad struggles with malnutriition, while America struggles with obesity. Tchad has trouble with flooding, while America struggles with various natural disasters including flooding. Tchadians are always arguing and fighting with one another, while Americans are severly prejudice. (These are extreme generalizations to make a point). However, this responce won't fix the problem. Not only will they disagree with our rebuttal of having problems although we have money, we would all be having a pity party. 

We would be dwelling on the negatives when we should be praising God for what he has been doing in or lives. Yes, it is very difficult. It goes against our natural tendencies. But Paul challenges us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to look for the positives and be thankful in all circumstances. As we get into the habit of finding good in everything situation, the good will be easier to find.  If we get caught up with the little things, or even the big things, in life we are giving Satan a foothold. 

Dwelling on the negatives tend to consume our thoughts. Instead of focusing on God and the good He has done, we are focusing on the bad. It becomes a cycle. Our thoughts become actions, our actions become habits, and our habits make up our character.  So we should do our best to focus on the positives. We should aim to be thankful in all circumstances and let the message of Christ fill our lives (Colossians 3:15, 16).

Here are five ways we can be thankful: 

1. We can be thankful for God answering our prayers

2. We can be thankful for God providing for our needs

3. We can be thankful for God's blessings

4. We can be thankful for God's character and wonderful works

5. We can be thankful for our family in Christ

If you notice all of these things are focusing on God. We should continue to focus on God instead of the hardship.  We are called to live in peace. Peace is independent; it doesn't rely on circumstances. Peace is a state of mind that can be acheived with God's help (Romans 8:6).