Giving thanks vs. thankfulness

In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thes. 5:18

There is a difference between "giving thanks" and "being thankful". Have you ever thought about it? For the past several weeks, I've been meditating on it. To give thanks is an act of obedience. To be thankful is an act of gratitude. (The International Standard Version translation says "In everything be thankful, ..." but that is the only translation that does.)

To give thanks in obedience makes me think of Who is in control. I don't like what's going on, but because I desire to obey God, I choose to say, "I thank You because You want me to thank You. I will thank You out of obedience. I am not thankful for what is happening because it's painful. But I will be obedient."

What I have found is that often, after choosing to give thanks, I eventually become thankful. Sometimes, it's even while in the midst of the difficult situation. Sometimes, it's not until quite a bit later ~ when God gives me a glimpse of what He is doing or accomplishing in me or thru the situation or simply because I am overwhelmed with Who He IS.

To give thanks acknowledges Who is in control ~ God, not me. To be thankful acknowledges Who is worthy to be thanked ~ God.

And so, in the midst of the difficult situations I am currently facing, I choose to say, "I will give You thanks. I choose to be obedient, but I also choose to be thankful. You are worthy to be praised. You are GOD. The HOLY One. The ONLY One. You ARE. Praise to You! Thank You for knowing what is going on, what is going to happen and how it will all be resolved. To Your glory! To Your honor! May I not lose site of Who You are ~ ever."