What is God’s Will For My Life?

​          “What is God’s will for my life?” we have heard people say many times. Whatever else His will for you may entail, one thing is clearly His will for you: “Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”, (1 Thessalonians 5:18, HCSB). He wants you to give thanks to Him in “everything”. This is repeated in Ephesians 5:20 where we notice the word “always” added in, “giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,”, (HCSB). No matter what you face, how hard the trial, the act of giving thanks to God is  a vital key to overcoming the difficulties of life. We are exhorted, “Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”, (Philippians 4:6, HCSB). 
          There is something powerful, joyful, and life changing about giving thanks to God. Adrian Rogers said it is almost impossible to be depressed when giving thanks to God. The three main points below are inspired by one of his messages. You can always give thanks to God in three ways.
 
You Can Give Thanks for Your Blessings in the Past
          You can thank God He has carried you through difficult times and seasons of joy in the past. “I will praise You forever for what You have done. In the presence of Your faithful people, I will put my hope in Your name, for it is good.”, (Psalms 52:9, HCSB). When you give thanks for how God has taken care of you in the past it cheers your heart and encourages you to trust Him for the present.
 
You Can Give Thanks for Your Blessings in the Present
          Sometimes you get so caught up in your ongoing cares in life you just need to take a break and thank God for all He is doing in your life right now. There is so much you can thank God for. You can thank Him for his beautiful creation, your loved ones, your daily blessings, and your wonderful Savior who never leaves you or forsakes you. In Lamentations 3:22-23 we read, “Because of the LORD's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!”, (HCSB). This gives you courage to face each day as well as the future.
 
You Can Give Thanks for Your Blessings in the Future
          Sometimes you worry about the future. If you are facing difficult times to come this can be very depressing. But your spirits can always be lifted by thanking God Christ is coming back, He is preparing a place for you in heaven, and you will bask in His glorious presence for all eternity. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel's voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, HCSB). 
 
Pastor Pat