Thanks for Everything

 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. “Thanks for Everything” Safe Haven Worship Centre. Sunday October 27th, 2019. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 [16] Rejoice always, [17] pray without ceasing, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (ESV) After Monday’s general election, commentators have noted particularly disturbing implications. We see distinct regional divisions evidenced in voting patterns with a resurgence of the Bloc Quebecois, and calls for western Canadian separation. With this, heightened concern over energy production, international trade, interprovincial disputes and with a minority government, the ability for the opposition parties to join together to topple the government at any time. Locally we see continued manufacturing layoffs like at General Motors, people defaulting on their mortgages, instability in the food supply, sickness, and a loss of savings. How can we give thanks in such a time? The church at Thessalonica, was facing even greater challenges. 1 Thessalonians was likely the 2nd of Paul’s letters, written @ 52AD, after Timothy had returned to Paul at Corinth, relating to him the state of the church at Thessalonica. As a young church there were a few doctrinal misunderstandings that needed to be dealt with. They were facing confusion from within and persecution from without. Looking to the situation at the churches in Thessalonica gives us some important instruction on how we can celebrate in the midst of turmoil. The message from 1 Thessalonians shows how can we be thankful in the midst of difficulty. We can give Thanks for Everything through 1) Constant Rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 5: 16) 2) Constant Prayer (1 Thessalonians 5: 17) and 3) Consistent Thankfulness in all Circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5: 18) helps us understand how we can not only celebrate in the midst of turmoil but be directed, encouraged and strengthened. We can give Thanks for Everything by: 1) Thankfulness through Constant Rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 5: 16) 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always, (ESV) These two words: “Rejoice always” (pantote chairete) constitute the shortest verse in the Greek New Testament (Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (2:708). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.) This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE is the theme of the book of Philippians (cf. 2:18; 3:1; 4:4, 10). It is a worldview based on our relationship with Christ and our covenant relationship with other Christians, not on circumstances (cf. Rom. 8:31–39).( Utley, R. J. (1997). Paul’s First Letters: Galatians and I & II Thessalonians (Vol. Volume 11, p. 119). Marshall, TX: Bible Lessons International.) • Such a short and straightforward directive almost seems impossible. To Rejoice is to have joy. Joy is a “lasting, deep-seated sense of well being and pleasure that is produced by the Holy Spirit now living within a Christian” (Gal. 5:22). “Christian joy is a conscious attitude of rejoicing in the Lord and in what He has done. It does not depend ultimately upon our feelings or circumstances. We may not always feel buoyant and cheerful. We can deliberately call to mind the Lord and rejoice in Him at all times (Phil. 4:4)” (Andrew W. Young: Let’s Study 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Banner of Truth Books. 2001. p. 103) Please turn to Psalm 50 Christian joy is not self-centered. The believer rejoices when others are blessed (Rom 12:15) and when others demonstrate obedience in the Lord (Rom 16:19; 1 Cor 13:6; 2 Cor 7:9; 13:9; Phil 4:10). The presence of good Christian company is a source of joy (1 Cor 16:17; Phil 2:28). What is so amazing in this concept is that even in the midst of personal tribulations Paul could find cause for joy (2 Cor 6:10; cf. 1:6). And Paul could rejoice in the spread of the gospel, even when it involved the personal pain of self-sacrifice (Phil 1:18; 2:17–18; cf. 2:19–20; 3:6) He knew how to rejoice in circumstances adverse beyond what most could image (Rom 5:3; II Cor 6:4–10). (Martin, D. M. (2001, c1995). Vol. 33: 1, 2 Thessalonians (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (181). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.) Implicit in the command to rejoice always is the realization that there are times and in certain difficult circumstances that we do not naturally feel like rejoicing. That is why the Psalmist directed: Psalm 50:14-15, 23 [14]Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, [15]and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." [23] The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!" • In the day of trouble, emotionally we do not feel joyful. But there is an active duty here of giving thanks. This glorifies God and is a tremendous testimony. The apostles never encourage believers to deny that adversity brings sadness and grief (see 4.13; 1 Pet. 1.6; Rom. 12.15), but they recognize that in the midst of the most agonizing situations the presence of God through his Spirit can infuse the soul with hope and the heart with joy. This joy is rooted deeply in the gospel (Luke 2.10–11) and becomes one of the primary distinctives of the Christian community (Green, G. L. (2002). The letters to the Thessalonians. The Pillar New Testament commentary (258). Grand Rapids, Mich.; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans Pub.; Apollos.) • Regardless of the circumstances, Christians have a reason to rejoice: being at peace with God Almighty. Nothing compares with this in importance, nothing can disturb this eternal peace, so we have every reason to be ebulliently, permanently glad! In the command to rejoice always here it is not asking his converts to rejoice because of their circumstances but rather to rejoice in the Lord (see Phil. 4:4; Rom. 14:17). Since this command to rejoice always is linked though the person and actions of God. He is the one who controls the events and we are to have a perspective in trials in terms of time: 1 Peter 1:6 [6]In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, (ESV) • A biblical perspective realizes that trials are but for a time. At the present time, in the midst of a trouble it may seem like all is lost. There is no denying the real hardship or trial in losing what we work hard for: Habakkuk 3:17-18 [17]Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, [18]yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. • We can rejoice in the Lord and take joy in Him since He provides unremoveable salvation for those who truly trust in Him. Sorrows draw us closer to God (Romans 5:3–5); they purify our faith like gold is refined in fire (1 Peter 1:7); they provide us with opportunities to confess before others the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:13–15). There is, however, one thing sorrow cannot do. It can never, never separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:39). God’s Spirit helps us and prays for us in our weaknesses. And we know God will keep His promises to watch over us and care for us in our sorrows.(Kuske, D. P. (1984). Thessalonians. The People's Bible (62). Milwaukee, Wis.: Northwestern Pub. House.) Recall after the reality when Job lost his family, all his earthly possessions and health: Job 1:20-22 [20] Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. [21] And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." [22] In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong. (ESV) • There is nothing wrong with sorrow in the death of friends or family, loss of a job, savings or difficulties in health. It is not sinful to express grief even directly to God. We must never however charge that God has wronged us. When we lose everything we see around us, how can we still rejoice? 2 Corinthians 6:10 [10]as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. (ESV) • A proper biblical perspective is to realize that although we may sorrow we have assurance of Salvation in God and encourage one another. From a global perspective this message is hardest to preach in North America where we have so much. For a great majority of this planet who truly have nothing in an earthly sense, this is much easier to understand. The perspective from 2 Corinthians, is that regardless of what happens to us in terms of outward possessions or trials, for those who have faith and trust though Christ, we possess everything. No one can take away eternal life and inheritance. No one can remove us from God’s providential care or love. No one can undo the work of Christ for those who trust in Him. No one can remove the Holy Spirit who guides, comforts and gives assurance of these realities. Illustration: 6588 I Thank Thee We can come to God in the midst of difficulty, expressed poetically: “O Thou whose bounty fills my cup, With every blessing meet! I give Thee thanks for every drop—The bitter and the sweet. I praise Thee for the desert road, And for the riverside; For all Thy goodness hath bestowed, And all Thy grace denied. I thank Thee for both smile and frown, And for the gain and loss; I praise Thee for the future crown And for the present cross. I thank Thee for both wings of love Which stirred my worldly nest; And for the stormy clouds which drove Me, trembling, to Thy breast. I bless Thee for the glad increase, And for the waning joy; And for this strange, this settled peace Which nothing can destroy”. (Tan, P. L. (1996, c1979). Encyclopedia of 7700 illustrations : A treasury of illustrations, anecdotes, facts and quotations for pastors, teachers and Christian workers. Garland TX: Bible Communications.)—Christian Victory We can give Thanks for Everything by: 2) Thankfulness through Constant Prayer (1 Thessalonians 5: 17) 1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing, (ESV) This PRESENT MIDDLE (deponent) IMPERATIVE, must refer to lifestyle prayer, a moment by moment fellowship with God (cf. 1:3; 2:13).( Utley, R. J. (1997). Paul’s First Letters: Galatians and I & II Thessalonians (Vol. Volume 11, p. 119). Marshall, TX: Bible Lessons International.) The word chosen here for “prayer” (proseuchomai) here is a general one that implies a worshipful approach to God (cf. Rom 8:26). Paul encouraged congregations to make prayer a part of their personal spiritual discipline (Rom 12:12; Phil 4:6). He and his coworkers prayed together regularly (1:2; 2 Thess 1:11; Rom 1:10) and valued the prayers of the church on their behalf (5:25; cf. 2 Cor 1:11, where “prayers” are petitions, deēsei). As with the public concept of rejoicing, prayer was also a feature of the public worship of the assembly. Paul linked public prayer with prophecy in his discussion of propriety in worship in 1 Cor 11:4 and with the public exercise of gifts and giving thanks in the assembly (1 Cor 14:15–17). Clearly, Paul expected Christians both privately and in the public assembly to approach God with praise, intercessions, requests, and thanksgiving (Martin, D. M. (2001, c1995). Vol. 33: 1, 2 Thessalonians (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (181). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.) What is most curious about this directive here in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 is the concept that prayer should be continual/without ceasing. The adverb for continually (adialeiptōs, also in 1:3) was used in Greek of a hacking cough. Someone with a continual hacking cough is not necessarily couching every second, but has a cough that is always there and occurs frequently. This command to pray without ceasing may seem physically impossible, if we believe that this is a command to spend all our time on their knees or with our eyes closed. The context of 1 Thessalonians and the problems they were facing with people quitting their jobs and just waiting around for Christ’s return speaks clearly to how this prayer should be done. Since Paul elsewhere in this epistle was quite adamant that everyone had work to do (5:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–7, 11) to pray without ceasing cannot mean prayer restricted to us on our knees with eyes closed. Evident from explicit teaching elsewhere in scripture, it also cannot mean to pray repetitiously or continuously without a break (cf. Mt 6:7, 8). God is not more likely to hear prayer because it has a special order or words, at a particular place, time or frequency. (Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). 1 & 2 Thessalonians : Life application commentary. Life application Bible commentary (88). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.) What then is thankfulness though Constant Prayer? Ephesians 6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and b. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (ESV) • The concept here is persistence (cf. Luke 11:1–13; 18:1–8) and consistence (cf. Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6; Col. 4:2,12) in prayer. It is rooted in faith. (cf. Lk 11:1–13; 18:1–8).There can be constant rejoicing through constant prayer when focused on the Character of God. God constantly fulfills His covenantal promises. He does not save and leave people to their own devices, but ensures the completion of what was started at salvation. Please turn to Philippians 4 Quote: J. B. Lightfoot clarifies this point in saying that this prayer is “not in the moving of the lips, but in the elevation of the heart to God, that the essence of prayer consists.” (Demarest, G. W., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1984). Vol. 32: The Preacher's Commentary Series, Volume 32 : 1, 2 Thessalonians / 1, 2 Timothy / Titus. Formerly The Communicator's Commentary. The Preacher's Commentary series (97). Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Inc.) Constant prayer can only truly happen when our hearts and minds are focused. Philippians 4:4-13 [4] Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. [5] Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; [6]do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [8] Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. [9] What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. [10]I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. [11] Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. [12]I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. [13]I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (ESV) • We will be unable to rejoice if we become anxious (v.6). Our minds must dwell on what is good and not dwell on what is bad which leads to being anxious. We must continually be in a spirit of prayer, confessing any anxious or worrisome thought to God. We must fill our minds with Scripture. It is what the Holy Spirit uses to comfort and guide. In the midst of trouble we often do not give the Holy Spirit anything to work with if we have not filled our minds with Scripture. If all we focus on is negative, we worry and become anxious. We in essence shut out God’s guidance from Scripture. We forget the present intercession of Christ and eternal work done to secure the salvation of those who trust in Him. And we crowd out the Holy Spirit because we have not confessed sin and fill our minds with fear and worry. Illustration: Always Had an Uplifting Prayer Scottish minister Alexander Whyte was known for his uplifting prayers in the pulpit. He always found something for which to be grateful. One Sunday morning the weather was so gloomy that one church member thought to himself, “Certainly the preacher won’t think of anything for which to thank the Lord on a wretched day like this.” Much to his surprise, however, Whyte began by praying, “We thank Thee, O God, that it is not always like this.” (Our Daily Bread, August 26, 1989) In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, the Apostle Paul was speaking of maintaining continuous fellowship with God as much as possible in the midst of daily living in which concentration is frequently broken (Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (2:708-709). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.) • Someone has related it to keeping the lines of communication open, an open telephone line. It does not mean you are always talking but a channel of communication is always open, and you are continuing to communicate with the other party (cf. Eph 6:18; Php 4:6; Col 4:2, 12). We are to be conscious of God’s presence with us throughout the day and to maintain a conversation with Him as we would with a visible companion. This practice will make Him more real to us, and also keep His power available to us; and it is moreover the single most effective weapon in our spiritual warfare, for it is a sure means of sanctification. Think about this: would you sin as frequently is you felt an extremely strong presence of God in your midst? Likewise, would you fear as much is you had a clear sense of God’s empowering presence in your midst? (Mills, M. (1999). The Thessalonian epistles : A study guide to (1 Th 5:16). Dallas: 3E Minstries.) Quote: Henri Nouwen’s related the concept of constant prayer with an analogy of how the mind works. In his book, Clowning in Rome from the chapter entitled “Prayer and Thought,”, he said: “Consciously or unconsciously, all of us are engaged in unceasing thought from birth to death. The brain is always active. The flat brain wave is the final sign of death. Sleep and dream studies indicate that our mind is always active during sleep”. (Henri Nouwen. Clowning in Rome. New York: Image Books, 1979) Nouwen points out that our unceasing thoughts are both sources of joy and sorrow. Sometimes our minds wander when we desperately need to concentrate. Sometimes they keep us awake when we are in need of sleep. And yet our deepest joys come through our awareness and our thoughts. He said: “Our thoughts are indeed the cradle where sorrow and joy are born. With an empty mind our hearts cannot mourn or feast, our eyes cannot cry or laugh, our hands cannot wring or clap, our tongue cannot curse or praise” (p. 69). Nouwen encourages the goal of converting our unceasing thinking into unceasing prayer. It means, “to think and live in the presence of God” (p. 70). This means to live with a growing awareness that God is always present. It is to bring consciously all of our words and deeds into His presence. (Demarest, G. W., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1984). Vol. 32: The Preacher's Commentary Series, Volume 32 : 1, 2 Thessalonians / 1, 2 Timothy / Titus. Formerly The Communicator's Commentary. The Preacher's Commentary series (97). Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Inc.) Finally, we can give Thanks for Everything by: 3) Consistent Thankfulness in all Circumstances: (1 Thessalonians 5: 18) 1 Thessalonians 5:18 [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (ESV) Paul told the Thessalonians that he thanked God for them and for their faith (1:2; 2:13). His thanksgiving for the church was directed to God both for what God had done (cf. Col 1:12–14) and in response to the faith and godly actions of the Thessalonians (Rom 16:3–4. 2 Thess 1:3; 2:13–15). Paul’s prayers of thanks for the congregations were frequently expressed in his letters (not just in private devotion) and were clearly intended as public affirmations encouraging continued praiseworthy behavior. Public thanksgivings also serve as an example of gratitude toward others, which all Christians should follow, for ingratitude is characteristic of ungodliness (Rom 1:27). (Rom 1:8; 1 Cor 1:4; Phil 1:3; cf. Phlm 4–5) (Martin, D. M. (2001, c1995). Vol. 33: 1, 2 Thessalonians (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (182). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.) The command here is another PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE. Circumstances must not dictate our thanksgiving or our joy (cf. Rom. 8:26–30, 31–39). Remember that thanksgiving should flow not “for all things,” but “in all circumstances.” ( Utley, R. J. (1997). Paul’s First Letters: Galatians and I & II Thessalonians (Vol. Volume 11, p. 119). Marshall, TX: Bible Lessons International.) • Thanklessness is a serious slight on the character of God. It basically says that whatever has been received, like life or salvation, is not all that significant and that you have some serious objections to how God is running things in His providence. Please turn to Psalm 100 In terms of the context specifically here in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 1) Constant rejoicing is enabled through 2) Constant prayer. Given the difficult circumstances around us and the realities already examined, how can we be consistently thankful even in the most difficult circumstances? Psalm 100:1-5 [100:1] Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! [2] Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! [3] Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. [4] Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! [5] For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (ESV) • The Thessalonians had an eschatological problem. They were fixated on the future and ignoring the present. They assumed the immanent coming of Christ and ignored present duties. Too often today, we ignore the past, have unrealistic assumptions about the future and live for today. Those who have lived though history have a responsibility to offer perspective to those who are focused only on now. The Psalmist in Psalm 100 ties the element of present duty and service, with thanksgiving and an intergenerational perspective. We must look to the past to see how God has been faithful to His promises, we look to the future through biblical hope for God to fulfill His covenantal promises. Our present faith is possible because of these past and future realities. We exercise that faith by giving thanks and praise to God. We can give thanks and praise God because of confidence in the purpose and the providence of God in any and every circumstance of life (cf. Rom 8:28–39) (Believer's Study Bible. 1997, c1995. C1991 Criswell Center for Biblical Studies. (electronic ed.) (1 Th 5:18). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.) Paul talks about this thankfulness to occur in all circumstances. This does not mean that we emotionally delight in whatever difficult circumstances occur, but that we realize that in any circumstance, God is in control, we can pray to him and we can give him thanks for this even in all circumstances. The issue is obedience not emotion. We can’t always control how we feel, but we can control what we think about or dwell on. When we choose to trust God and rejoice in all circumstances in God, feelings of delight and comfort often follow. “In all circumstances” translates a phrase that could just as well mean “at all times.”  This is an ambiguous phrase to cover both time and circumstance (cf. Eph 5:20, “give thanks always and for everything,” Paul never instructed the church to thank God for evil events but to thank God that even in evil times and circumstances our hope remains, and God continues His work in our lives (Rom 8:28) (Martin, D. M. (2001, c1995). Vol. 33: 1, 2 Thessalonians (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (182). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.) • Happiness is related to happenings, which we cannot control. Joy is related to Justification, which we can have assurance in through the work of God. Believers are not required to con-jure up this joy, for the ability to rejoice has been given to them as a gift—one fruit of the Holy Spirit is joy (Galatians 5:22; cf. Romans 14:17) (Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). 1 & 2 Thessalonians : Life application commentary. Life application Bible commentary (88). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.) Please turn to Ephesians 5 When Paul specifies in 1 Thes. 5:18 that to “rejoice in all circumstances” is the will of God, he is referring to the complete context, at least verses 16-18 as a whole. Therefore, thankfulness in constant rejoicing, prayer and thankfulness in all circumstance is the will of God (MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (1 Th 5:18). Nashville: Word Pub.) • Continuity is emphasized with each of the imperatives. “Be joyful” (chairete), “pray” (proseuchesthe), and “give thanks” (eucharisteite) are all present tense, implying continuous or recurring activities. “Always,” “continually,” and “in all circumstances” strengthen the message that these actions should consistently characterize the Christian life (Martin, D. M. (2001, c1995). Vol. 33: 1, 2 Thessalonians (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (181). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.) Paul expressed this thought to the Ephesians: Ephesians 5:15-20 [15] Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. [18]And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, [19]addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, [20]giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (ESV) Paul closes 1 Thes. 5:18 with the directive to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God” “in Christ Jesus” to remind us that Christ taught & modeled to us these things during His earthly ministry and He was the living embodiment of what He taught. It is only though His atoning sacrifice that we are able to come to God. Therefore, by His atonement, teaching and example, He revealed to us God’s will concerning joy, prayer, and thanksgiving. (MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (1 Th 5:18). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.) • People tend to be happy when happenings are favorable. They tend to pray only in difficult times and tend to give thanks when they perceive blessing occurring. God’s will for each of us presented here in 1 Thessalonians is that we are to rejoice always, to be joyful even in the face of difficult circumstances. We are always to pray, to keep in close communication with God, regardless of the circumstances. We exhibit true faith, and trust in the one who brings all things together for good, in being thankful in all circumstances. Prayer Closing Hymn: “Now Thank We All Our God”. (3v.) I’d like to close this morning with the story of a peace of music familiar to many on giving thanks: “Now Thank We All Our God” In the first half of the 17th century, Germany was in the midst of wars and famine and pestilence. In the city of Eilenburg lived a pastor by the name of Martin Rinkart. During one especially oppressive period, Rinkart conducted up to 50 funerals a day as a plague swept through the town and as the Thirty Years’ War wreaked its own terror on the people. Among those whom Rinkart buried were members of his own family. Yet during those years of darkness and despair, when death and destruction greeted each new day, Pastor Rinkart wrote 66 sacred songs and hymns. Among them was the song “Now Thank We All Our God.” As sorrow crouched all around him, Rinkart wrote: “Now thank we all our God With hearts and hands and voices, Who wondrous things hath done, In whom His world rejoices; Who, from our mothers’ arms, Hath blessed us on our way With countless gifts of love, And still is ours today”. Rinkart demonstrated a valuable lesson for us all: Thankfulness does not have to wait for prosperity and peace. It’s always a good time to praise God for the “wondrous things” He has done. (JDB, Our Daily Bread, October 12, 1998) 011 Benediction May He who builds His lofty palace in the heavens And sets its foundation on the earth, Who calls for the waters of the sea And pours them out over the face of the land Grant you an awareness of His love that you may be always joyful, praying continually and giving thanks in all circumstances For this is the will of God for you. AMEN. (cf. Amos 9:6 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)