Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 16-18

Today, as we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, we may find ourselves in many different circumstances. Some people may be celebrating with family and friends. Others may be in the midst of various trials or mourning a loss. Some may appear to celebrate, but are truly suffering through a variety of circumstances and emotions. What we must not forget is thanksgiving is a choice. 

Little is known about the Prophet Habakkuk. He wrote just before the fall of Assyria and the rise of Babylon. God had used Assyria to punish Israel and was going to use Babylon to punish Assyria and Judah. The theme of his book is how can God use a wicked nation, like Babylon for His divine purposes.   

Habakkuk could not understand why God doesn't just purge the Israelites sins and draw them back to Himself and to righteousness. There are similarities between Habakkuk and Job. He argues his case, but in the end he realizes that God is not to be worshipped merely because of the temporal, material and physical blessings of life, but simply for who He is. Thus he ends his words with a song of thanksgiving to God for who He is and for the unchanging benefits that belong to those who know Him! Habakkuk has reason to fret and question, but he chooses instead to be thankful, rejoice in the Lord.  

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, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. Habakkuk 3:17-19

We need to remember in all circumstances there are four truths we must be thankful for and hold tight to as followers of Jesus!

We should be thankful for our salvation

We should thank God that He is unchanging.

We should thank God that He is sovereign.

We should thank God for His strength. 

Just like Habakkuk we have a choice. Things may not turn out the way we would prefer. We may not always have what we want or what we think is best for us. However, we must trust in God, we must thank Him for what He has given us, after all He knows what is best for each and every one of us. Each of us have to decide are we going to be grateful for what God has given us, or upset by our circumstances.