Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves].
Philippians 2:14 (AMPC)
A man once said to me, “Pastor, I wish I had your job. You get to encourage and pray with people…I would love to do what you do.” I love what I do as well, but the two things he mentioned only comprise a small part of what I do. We all have aspects of our jobs that are not much fun.
Although it would be great if every day were perfect, the fact remains that life is hard work. We need to learn to work hard at the same time as we enjoy each day, living life to the fullest. And, because of Holy Spirit within us, we have the power to do this without complaining. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens” (MSG). If the Bible says it, we must be capable of doing it!
This verse isn’t saying that you need to give thanks for everything that happens. God doesn’t send bad things our way so he certainly doesn’t expect us to thank him for them. What it is saying is that we can give thanks “in everything.”
Even if you’re in the midst of a crisis, you can find something you’re grateful for. And even more importantly, you can thank God in advance for the answer to your requests…in faith.
God loves you and is always for you. He even has the hairs on your head numbered. Whatever you’re asking for today, you can thank him in advance because the answer to every promise is YES! (See 2 Corinthians 1:20.)