In Everything Give Thanks (Coloring Page)

With Thanksgiving literally a few days away, I thought 1 Thessalonians 5:18 would make a good theme for this week’s “Scripture Sunday” coloring page. The verse reads, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

That first phrase is sometimes translated “Give thanks in all things.” Sometimes, “Give thanks in every circumstance.” Certainly, there are times when we may not feel very thankful for the trials themselves. But we can still be thankful in the midst of them.

We can be thankful for God’s sustaining grace. For His faithfulness. For His presence and provision. We can be grateful for what He’ll use those hardships to accomplish. For the lessons He’ll teach. The character He’ll develop. The closeness He’ll foster. And the testimony He’ll inspire.

I think this is what James had in mind when he tells us to “count it joy.”

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”(James 1:2-4)

That doesn’t mean being glutton for punishment. It simply means that, in the midst of every storm, we keep our eyes on the One who can calm it. We affirm His goodness, and trust Him to work all things together for our good (and growth!) and His glory.

I originally published this coloring page in my new devotional journal, in Count Your Blessings. It’s designed to help you cultivate an attitude of gratitude — not only in November, but every day of the year!