Remembering & Relationships [Giving Thanks Series]

NOTE: This is Part 3 of my Giving Thanks Series. In this episode of my writing lab, we are exploring spiritual answers to question, "what are you thankful for?." This entry is based primarily on the devotional shared on my November 14, 2023 livestream which can be seen on YouTube [link] here. 

Thanksgiving and Prayer

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:3-6

Remember

The apostle Paul writes in Philippians 1:3, “Every time I remember you …”

One of the most important aspects of giving thanks is to remember.

Think back over your personal history. What do you have to be thankful for? How has God shown you his kindness during the story of your life?

We want to intentionally remember those times when God has shown himself to be good and benevolent.

Invoke the power of memory, and be intentional to recall positive memories.

It’s All About Relationships

Paul continues in his reflection, “I thank my God every time I remember you.”

He’s talking about relationships. “In all my prayers for you, I always pray with joy...”

What is the cause of his joy? “your partnership in the gospel . . .”

I want to say that I am thankful for you guys on my livestream because you are partnering with me in the proclamation of the gospel. You are simply taking time to give God glory together, which is not insignificant.

So I thank you. I say, as Paul says, “I thank my God that every time I remember you.” I, too, can pray with joy.

We can be thankful for the relationships God has put into our lives.

Confidence in God’s Work

Paul’s joyous remembrance continues in verse six, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Isn’t that something else to be grateful and thankful for?

We remember not only how God has shown us his kindness in the past, but we anticipate how God will show forth his goodness in our future. We thank him for his faithfulness and sovereignty over our life purposes and destiny.

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”

That’s right; God will finish what he has started in your life “until the day of Christ Jesus.”

We can be thankful for God’s promise, and that He cares enough to see us finish well.

Summary

This passage reveals the power of remembering rightly. We can thank God for positive relationships, for partners in the gospel, and for his faithfulness in seeing us complete our mission on earth.

Since worship is responding to revelation, let us now respond with a prayer of thanksgiving.

A Prayer of Response

Father, we are here to remember and to give you thanks.

Lord, we want to grow in our understanding of who you are.

We want to grow in understanding who you have made us to be.

And Lord, we are so very, very thankful for community.

Lord, we’re so very thankful for relationships, Lord.

We’re so very thankful for those with whom we serve together and who we get to partner in doing your gospel work.

Holy Spirit, we thank you. You are doing good work in each and every one of our lives.

Thanks be to God.

And that is today’s Divine Perspective!

Amen.