Paul drops a huge bomb on us in 1 Thessalonians. He doesn’t equivocate, prevaricate or vacillate; He clearly guides us into the essential—“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (5:18) Not only in every circumstance does he call for giving thanks, but in all we do. “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” (Colossians 3:17) Finally, he calls for thanksgiving for everything we receive. “And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20) 

In every circumstance, in whatever we do or say, and for everything we receive. It is clear, Paul imagined our lives to be a roar of thanksgiving. Actually, we’ all glad he did call for such action, for I have discovered at least three benefits of a thankful heart. 

First, it recognizes that someone beyond myself is helping. Living in a world that is so self-focused, it is easy to be oblivious to our own self-centered ways. Thanksgiving makes us pause, look to God and embrace an essential reality: we could not be who and what we are without the help of Someone greater. 

Second, it recognizes that there is good happening all the time. Not only are we selfish; we continually find what is wrong with everything. Thanksgiving stirs us to look for the good and focus on those qualities. I have discovered that what I focus on in life is what I receive from life. It is the principle, “The measure you use will be what is measured back to you.” (Matthew 7:2) 

Third, thanksgiving always produces a gladness of heart. There is something about looking at what is good, and then turning your heart to God and saying “thank you” that lifts the spirit and makes one internally positive.