Thanksgiving is not meant to be only a holiday, but a holy devotion—not an event, but a lifestyle! This is in contrast to the negativity we observe all about us these days.
Negativity produces toxicity. There are many unhealthy churches because of the poisonous attitudes preached from pulpits and parked in pews!
If ever a man had an excuse for complaining, it was Paul in the circumstances he finds himself in as he wrote to the Philippians. But, instead there is an expression of celebration! Joy flows from the pages of this letter, and the crescendo is reached in 4:4-20.
Paul calls us to PRAISE, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.” (v. 4-5). We make the choice to praise. While the circumstances may be bad, the Lord is good—and we rejoice in Him. Because He is always good, we can always rejoice. No matter how you feel, God is unchanging.
A grateful heart toward God will gender a gentle spirit toward others. Ultimately, we know the Lord is with us and is literally returning soon! It will be OK! Hallelujah!
The Apostle commands us to PRAYER, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” (v. 6). The formula is simple to say—though challenging to do—and that’s why few do it! But, here it is: worry about nothing, pray about everything, be thankful for anything.
Are you facing a challenge that is beyond you? Then, why worry about it? Will worry fix it? Give it to the One who in His sovereignty permits it and in our supplication will help us. Indeed, we can express thanksgiving even before the situation changes—and this is faith verbalized. Do we believe Romans 8:28?
Those living in thanksgiving are promised PEACE, “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” (v. 7-9). A supernatural peace flows from the Infinite God. You cannot explain it, but you can experience it. I am not sure how electricity works, but I’m not going to sit in the dark until I do! In the dark times, claim the peace of God that will brighten your days.
His peace will function as a sentry, so that when the devil seeks to make you doubt, that peace will drive the enemy away. When we choose to meditate on the true, noble, just, pure, lovely, the good reports, the virtuous, and praiseworthy, that peace of God will fill our soul!
Paul is an example. He practiced what he preached!
Rely on God’s POWER, “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (v. 10-13). No matter the physical state Paul found himself in, he had the spiritual power to rejoice in the Lord—and that not a little, but a lot! Whether he was abased or abounding, famished or full, he knew the resources of the Almighty Christ. That same Savior is with us! The promise is not of power to do what you want to do, but what you ought to do—and that is truly only what we should want to do anyway.
Trust in God’s PROVISION, “Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ” (v. 14-19). The progress of the Gospel moves on the provision of support from God’s people. God so loved the world that He gave, and if we love Him, and the church that is Christ’s bride, as well as the lost He died to save, then we must give also.
Thank God for the faithful giving of His people across the centuries and that is why we are saved and have opportunity to continue investing in that which is of eternal significance.
Our giving is not about fulfilling a grudging obligation, but a glad offering. The Lord loves a cheerful giver. It is a matter of the heart and an expression of worship. If you trust God by giving, He promises to supply all your needs. You cannot out-give God.
We are reminded in conclusion of our ultimate PURPOSE, “Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (v. 20). All the universe is moving toward the glory of God. It is all about Him—His praise and worship. Whatever happens, however we feel, no matter the conditions, we are assured that ultimately it all redounds to His glory. It is God’s proper desire and rightful due. Living in thanksgiving is about giving God glory. It will be the order of eternity, so it is time we start practicing on earth!
Let us choose to be living in thanksgiving!
