In an effort to teach my three-year-old granddaughter manners, I made up a simple song and chirped it throughout the day: Please and thank you, Please and thank you, are such lovely words. It didn’t really take. I picked up a hint of humming, but the words never rolled off her tiny lips. And when it came time for peanut butter smeared on yummy bread, all I heard was, “I’m hungry.”

God commands us to give thanks—not only when getting what we’ve ask for—but in everything. “For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Let’s stop and consider why thankfulness is of such vital importance to the Father. Why is it so important to God that we give thanks? It couldn’t be for God’s own sake—for He is giver and sustainer of all things. This is God’s will, for you, the Scripture says. God needs nothing from us . . . He just wants us. If we look at verses 16 and 17 we find two more clues: “rejoice always” and “pray without ceasing”. What have these three commands in common? Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Communion. All three of these commands requires our spirit being actively aware of God’s presence. It’s about our knowing Him! Of course! Think about my serving lunch to Jane. Was a verbal “Please” and “Thank you” all I was looking to accomplish with her? Would the mere hearing of these words bring us closer together? Or was I wanting Jane to know I loved her? truly wanted to serve her? and hoped our eyes could meet and we would agree to say “cheers” while bumping our yummy bread together?

In everything give thanks, for God loves you, desires to pour His goodness upon you, and means to be seen, and heard, and known in the secret places of your heart.