I speak of thanksgiving of the heart not some national holiday. In the first century world, Christians were driven from their homes (Acts 8:4). Some were tortured, placed in prison and even killed (Acts 26:10,11). If one dared to confess Christ they could be put out of the synagogue or even face death (Matt. 10:32;John 9:22). Great portions of cities became increasingly angry toward and against Christians. They saw the faith of Jesus Christ as being a threat to their livelihood such as those in Acts 19 or barriers to living lives of pleasure (Titus 2:12).
I bring up these conditions to show the struggle Christians had in trying to live for Christ. One such city in the first century was Thessalonica. When Paul wrote his first letter to this church he concluded the letter by noting some specific things Christians needed to do in spite of the growing opposition. One of those things was to give thanks in every thing (I Thess. 5:18). The meaning is not being thankful about being driven from one’s home, being placed in prison or being separated from one’s family. No, the giving of thanks was that Christian were to know that whatever they faced, God would be there. In every circumstance of life they could pause and thank God for His presence and His help in time of trouble (Heb. 4:16).
We can little with the turmoil in the world. We do have the power of prayer that from the lips of righteous people is able to accomplish so much (James 5:16). We, by prayer to God can have an effect on the hearts of those who rule (I Tim. 2:1,2). Whether in good times or bad we have the assurance from God that He will never leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5). The power of being thankful is seen when ten men were healed of leprosy and one can back to say to God, thank You. All of us are so blessed to be surrounded by faithful brethren, worship God in peace, live our lives with purpose and then pass through the “door” to the other side of eternity with God. We give Him thanks for all we have received and for the honor of eternity with Him.