MUSINGS

THANKSGIVING should be one of the characteristics of a believer. An Ephesians believer is not only enjoying his exalted place according to the purpose of God, but he is “giving thanks at all times for all things to him who is God and the Father”, Ephesians 5: 20. We all face testings, difficulties and sorrows (and may we go through them in dependence on divine grace), but we can always find so many blessings and mercies for which to give thanks. In fact, “giving thanks ... for all things” would mean that we can give thanks even for the discipline, for we know that a Father’s love and wisdom are behind it. In 1 Thessalonians Paul says, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus towards you”—(1 Thessalonians 5: 17, 18). This reflects God’s pleasure in having a constantly responsive and thankful people.

Our daily food gives us frequent opportunities to offer our thanksgivings to the Father. Let it

not be a mere routine and an empty formula. What it meant to the Father when Jesus, having taken the loaves, gave thanks, before the feeding of the five thousand in John 6.

FCM