2026-11-01 Growing in Gratitude

(1 Thess 5:16-18)

Have you ever wondered, “What’s God’s will for my life?” We all want God’s blessings, don’t we? Nobody wants to go against His will and get into trouble! Well, 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 NIV tells us: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Two weeks ago, we talked about prayer. Today, it’s rejoicing and giving thanks in all circumstances. I've set up two tables to help us understand how our gratitude grows.

The Children’s table -- Gratitude because of God’s blessings.

In the beginning of the Bible, we see in Exo 14, God brought them out of slavery in Egypt. Suddenly, they found themselves trapped! The Red Sea was in front of them, and Pharaoh's army was behind them. There was nowhere to go! They were terrified! They immediately complained to Moses, “Did you bring us out of Egypt to die?” But God told them to move forward. And what happened? God opened the Red Sea! They walked through on dry ground, and God destroyed their enemies. What an incredible miracle! God made a way where there seemed to be no way! Then, they sang: “the Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him. (Exo 15:2, ESV)”

They were full of joy and thanksgiving because God had rescued them. What a reason to give thanks! Now, this smaller table represents the beginning of our journey of gratitude. Let’s call it the children's table. Don't feel ashamed if you're sitting here, coz we all begin as children, don’t we? At this table, we thank God because we see God’s blessings: “Thank You, Lord, for healing me!” “Thank You, God, for giving me a job!” “Thank You, Lord, for providing food, money, and everything I need!” And that's wonderful! Psalm 103:2 NIV says, “Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

Early Friday morning, a loud sound woke us. Ace was trying to vomit, but we couldn’t see anything. Then my bare feet stepped on a piece of beef liver she’d spewed out! I felt God was telling me not to feed her anything she hadn’t tried before coz she’s old. I immediately praised the Lord with all my soul! Otherwise, I would have been so worried about Ace. God is so good! We should never take His blessings for granted.

But at the children’s table, gratitude can be conditional. Look what happened to the Israelites. Just three days after that incredible miracle, they arrived at Marah. They were thirsty, but the water was bitter, so they couldn’t drink it. They complained again! In only 3 days, they forgot who God is, and their attitude towards Him changed. Psalm 106:12–13 NIV says, “Then they believed his promises and sang his praise. But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold.” Challenges and difficulties serve a purpose: they teach us to pray and wait for His plan to unfold. But how often do we sing on Sunday, “Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!” and complain again on Monday? At the children’s table, we thank God for yesterday’s blessings but struggle to trust Him with today’s problems. Our gratitude rises and falls with our circumstances, but God’s goodness and love never change. So to do His will, rejoice always and give thanks in all circumstances, we need to grow from the children’s table to the banquet table.

The banquet table -- gratitude rooted in knowing God.

In Matt 22, Jesus tells a parable, “the Kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for His Son.” Can you imagine that feast? It’s a royal wedding celebration—a time of honour, joy and reward. The King prepared everything and invited people to come. But some were too busy with their own business. Then, in v.11, the King noticed a man who wasn’t wearing wedding clothes. So he was thrown outside into the darkness. What does this teach us? God’s invitation is a gift, but we must take it seriously. He invites us to serve, in the kitchen, on the worship team, in English classes and wherever else, He is preparing us for His royal feast. Don’t miss out.

Revelation 19:6–9 NIV gives us another picture of the wedding feast. John hears a great multitude praising God: “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.” The bride is the Church, and Jesus is the Bridegroom. V.8 says, the bride was given fine linen, bright and clean, to wear. And the fine linen represents “the righteous acts of God’s holy people.” Notice two things: The wedding clothes were given to her, and the bride made herself ready. God’s grace comes first! We are saved through the blood of Jesus Christ! But to join His royal feast, we must respond to His invitation by obeying His Word, yielding to the Holy Spirit, loving as He loved, and living as He lived. These are the righteous acts that prepare us for the wedding feast. There’s a price to pay for spiritual growth, and it’s a process. We don’t become spiritually mature overnight! I love what Paul said in Philippians 4:11–13 NIV: "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Notice those words "I’ve learned." Paul didn't say, "I was born content" Or “I automatically became content when I became a Christian.” He said, "I have learned.” We need to learn to be content in every circumstance, to surrender our own desires, and to find our deepest satisfaction in knowing God. More than 20 years ago, God called me to plant a church and serve in deliverance ministry. In those first five years, He often led me to fast and pray, no food, no phone, just my Bible, prayer and serving others. At night, I was so hungry and I dreamed about food! Then, as I woke up, it was another day of fasting and prayer! It became normal…Yet something wonderful happened. As I prayed, “Lord, thank You for loving the lost and the broken,” tears of gratitude would flow. Even though my stomach was empty, my soul was so full! I was overwhelmed by God’s love and His heart for people, and I saw His power heal and deliver. I was learning that my deepest satisfaction came from knowing God and sharing His heart, beyond having my physical needs met. I’m still learning. That’s the banquet table! “Even though my needs aren’t met, You’re with me.” At this table,

We learn to thank God not just when He gives us what we want, but for who He is. And this reminds us of David. In 2 Samuel 6, we see David and his wife, Michal. Both had experienced pain. David was anointed king of Israel, but went through years of preparation. King Saul hunted him down and tried to kill him. David lost his home and was separated from his wife. Sometimes preparation is painful, coz there's a cost to pay. Even Jesus, the Son of God, suffered to fulfil His calling. Michal also suffered. Her father, Saul, took her away from David and gave her to another man. Both went through deeply painful experiences but let’s see how differently they responded. David continued to trust God through his difficulties. In Psa 23, he says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Then he says: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Notice, David doesn't say there are no valleys or enemies! He says, “Even though...” At the banquet table, we don’t only thank God when He gives us what we want, we thank Him because of Who He is. We learn to say: “Lord, even though life is difficult, I trust You!  Even though I haven’t got what I want, You are still my Shepherd!” This is the banquet table! “Even though my circumstances are difficult, Your love endures forever. Even though I haven't seen Your promises fulfilled, I trust Your timing. Even though my desires haven't been met, Your faithfulness hasn't changed. And yes, I'm the one who needs to change! Not You. Thank You for using people and circumstances to train me. I trust You because You are my God and my Shepherd!”

David learned to trust God through years of hardship. In time, God fulfilled his promise, and David became king. Now, look at what happened in 2 Samuel 6. When the ark of God was brought into Jerusalem, v.14 says, David danced with all his might! He danced with full of joy and gratitude! After years of hardship, he still worshipped God with all his heart and strength. He offered sacrifices and blessed the people. His joy overflowed into generosity. Michal watched from a window, at a distance. She didn’t join in, instead, she despised David in her heart and mocked him, “How ridiculous you looked in front of everyone!”

Then, v.23 says, Michal daughter of Saul had no children until she died. No children, symbolically, no fruit, no legacy. What a sobering ending! Both David and Michal went through painful experiences. David came out of wilderness with a heart full of gratitude and generosity. He kept turning his heart towards God. In Psalm 139:23–24 NIV, he prayed: “Search me, God, and know my heart ... See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” David sought to please God and let Him change his heart, leaving others for God to judge. Michal focused on what people might think and judged by what she saw. Both experienced pain, but their hearts responded differently. Painful experiences don't automatically make us spiritually mature. Preparation isn't always pleasant. Yet the fruit of our responses follows us forever. Who do you want to learn from, David or Michal? Which table are you sitting at today? Are you thanking God only when life goes your way? Are you focused on what others think or what they’ve done to you? Or are you willing to let God change your heart, grow towards the banquet table, and say: “Lord, even when life is hard and things don’t go my way, I choose to listen to You and give thanks because You are God, my Creator. I trust You! I choose forgiveness over bitterness and surrender my desires to Your ways, because You are good and just, and Your love endures forever!”

Prayer:

Thank You, Jesus, for the blood You poured out for each of us. Thank You for loving us, forgiving our sins, and bringing us into Your Kingdom. Thank You for showing us how to rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances.

When You were rejected, You continued to love. When You were falsely accused, You remained faithful. When You were mocked and spat on, You didn't fight back.

Even on the cross, You prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” You trusted Your Heavenly Father and surrendered to His will.

Today, as we prepare to take communion, I invite you to join me in this prayer of confession. Afterwards, you can come and sit around the table, giving thanks as you take communion. You can pray:

“Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me to grow — from only thanking You when you give me what I want, to giving thanks because of Who You are.  Forgive me for getting frustrated so easily, complaining, assuming the worst and judging others when they don't meet my expectations. Sometimes I'm like the Israelites, forgetting Your goodness when trouble comes. Sometimes I'm like Michal, allowing disappointment and hurt to shape my attitude instead of examining my own heart.

But David also faced pain and rejection. Yet he kept turning his heart towards You, trusting and worshipping You. And Jesus, You suffered far more, yet You chose to love and forgive.

Lord, today I repent. I choose forgiveness over bitterness, gratitude over complaining, and trust over fear. You've been patient with me; help me to be patient with others. You've shown me kindness; help me to show kindness, even to those who have hurt me. In Jesus' name, I break every agreement with the enemy's lies — that I'm rejected, forgotten, unloved or that You are not good. I reject every lie that justifies my bitterness, judgement and unforgiveness. I choose to believe Your Word rather than my feelings. Holy Spirit, renew my mind and change my heart. Teach me to respond as Jesus did. Lord, I don't want to remain at the children's table, only giving thanks when life goes my way. Teach me to say, “Even though…” Even though life is difficult, even though things haven't gone my way, I choose to rejoice, trust You and give thanks because You are good and just, and Your love endures forever! In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.

Today, we’re going to take communion a bit differently. Have a look at these two tables. The bread and cups are already there, and I invite you to come and sit at whichever table you feel drawn to.

At the children’s table, you can thank God for His blessings and provision, and remember His goodness.

At the banquet table, you can thank God for who He is, even though life may not be going the way you hoped. You still can say, “Lord, even though I don’t understand, I choose to trust You because You are good and faithful.”

There are words on the screen and printed sheets on both tables to help guide your prayers.

When you come, take a quiet moment to thank God. Then, when you’re ready, take the bread and cup, remembering Jesus' body given for you and His blood poured out for you.

We'll take turns, so there's no rush. If a table is full, just wait until a seat becomes available. Come as you are. Take your time with God, and give Him thanks.

Does that make sense? All right, let’s take communion together.

At the kids table: 

Thank You, Lord, for…

providing for my daily needs

food, water, a home and a place to belong

my family, friends and church

protecting me and helping me through hard times

healing me, or giving me comfort and strength while I wait for healing

answering my prayers

forgiving me when I have done wrong

saving me through Jesus

Jesus’ love, His death for me, and the new life He gives

the Holy Spirit, who helps and guides me

the blessings I sometimes take for granted…

A prayer they could pray:

“Thank You, Lord, for caring for me and providing for my needs. Thank You for the people You have placed in my life, for helping and protecting me, and for giving me strength. Thank You for hearing my prayers. Thank You for forgiving me and saving me through Jesus. Thank You that Jesus gave His body and poured out His blood for me. Help me not to take Your goodness for granted. I love You, and I give You thanks. Amen.”

As you take the bread

“Jesus, thank You for giving Your body for me. Thank You for loving me, saving me and giving me new life. I receive this bread in remembrance of You.”

Eat the bread.

As you take the cup

“Jesus, thank You for pouring out Your blood for me. Thank You for forgiving me and making me right with God. I receive this cup in remembrance of You.”

Drink the cup.

Then give thanks

“Thank You, Lord, for Your goodness and for all You have provided. Help me to remember Your love and follow You. Amen.”

At the banquet table:

Take a quiet moment to remember that God is with you, even in the valley.

Thank You, Lord, for…

being with me in the valley

staying faithful when I can’t see the way ahead

loving me, even while I’m waiting for an answer

holding me when life feels uncertain

giving me strength to keep going

Your wisdom and timing, which are greater than mine

the hope I have in Jesus

never leaving me or turning away from me

working in my life, even when I don’t understand

Your love, which endures forever

Even though…

my prayer hasn’t been answered yet

my situation hasn’t changed

I don’t understand what You’re doing

I feel weak or afraid

I’m walking through a difficult season

…

I choose to trust You, Lord, because You are faithful and good. You are my Heavenly Father, my God, my Saviour, my Healer, my Provider and my faithful friend. You are with me, and You will never leave me. Your love endures forever. You are my Shepherd, and I trust You to lead me through the highs and lows, through joy and sorrow, and through times of waiting and uncertainty. I belong to You.

As you take the bread

“Jesus, thank You for giving Your body for me. Even though I’m still waiting, and even though I don’t understand everything, I remember Your love for me. Help me trust You.”

Eat the bread.

As you take the cup

“Jesus, thank You for pouring out Your blood for me. Thank You for forgiving me and giving me new life. Even though my situation is hard, You are with me. Your love endures forever.”

Drink the cup.

Then give thanks

“Lord, I place my unanswered prayers and unmet desires in Your hands. Your wisdom is greater than mine, and I trust Your faithfulness. Even though I’m walking through a difficult time, You are my Shepherd. Thank You for being with me. Amen.”

Closing prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for all You've done for us. Lord, we don't want our gratitude to depend on our circumstances. Teach us to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. Even when life doesn't go our way, we choose to trust You because You are good and in control. You work all things together for the good of those who love You. Holy Spirit, continue to shape our hearts and help us grow into maturity in Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Small Group Discussion Questions

Growing in Gratitude — Even Though
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

1. What are you thankful to God for today?
2. What is the difference between giving thanks at the children's table and at the banquet table?
3. Why do we sometimes complain or become frustrated when things don't go our way?
4. David and Michal both experienced pain, but responded differently. What can we learn from them?
5. What is one area of your life where God is calling you to say, “Even though… I choose to trust You and give thanks”?