Whatever You Do, Give Thanks
Earlier this week, I, along with my family, returned home after a 3-week holiday in the mountains of freezing cold Canada. We spent most of our time skiing and snowboarding, exploring the shops and restaurants in the village, playing board games, and soothing sore muscles in the hot tub. We also attended an ice hockey game and enjoyed a white Christmas, complete with carolling and ugly Christmas sweaters. It was an incredible experience and an immensely enjoyable break.
During the time away, I had one particular passage of Scripture reverberating in my heart and mind: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).
There were a number of moments on the trip when I thought of this Scripture and gave thanks to God for what I was witnessing or experiencing. Whether it was zooming down a freshly groomed run on my snowboard, taking in the beauty of the pine trees covered in snow as I rode the chairlift, or as I enjoyed quality time with Molly, Knox, and other family members.
But let’s be honest, it’s easy to give thanks to God when you’re holidaying in Canada, or when you’re sitting on the beach, or enjoying downtime at home during the Christmas holidays. The challenge for all of us is to apply this Scripture during other, more challenging times in our lives.
The reality is that none of us knows exactly what 2019 holds for us. We don’t know the joys and blessings that are coming our way, nor do we know the challenges and trials we will face. But thankfully the Bible does give us a number of truths that we can know with absolute certainty.
God’s word tells us that no matter what comes our way in 2019, God is on the throne (Ps. 103:19), He is reigning and ruling for our good (Rom. 8:28-30), we belong to Him (Rom. 8:14-17), we are loved by Him (Rom. 8:35-38), we are empowered by His Spirit (Rom. 8:11), and we have a sure and certain hope for the future because of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:18-21).
These biblical truths (and more) can transform how we face the future and navigate the challenging times in our lives this year and beyond. Indeed, these truths can help us to give thanks no matter what we face or what we do in 2019.
With you on the journey,
Adam
