In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, I read, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (NIV)
No matter what I ask God for, I need to ask with an attitude of gratitude. I can ask God for whatever I need, but do it with a thankful heart for what he’s already done.
The Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV). A lot of people want to know what God’s will is for their lives. But God’s not going to show step two until step one is done. Step one is to be grateful. This is God’s will.
First be grateful for what God has already given, life, mind, freedom, and food. Everything we have is a gift from God! Be grateful for all of it.
The Bible says to give thanks in all circumstances. Notice it does not say to give thanks for all circumstances. There is a big difference. There are a lot of things in life I should not be thankful for. For instance, I should never be thankful for evil.
It says to give thanks in every circumstance, not for every circumstance, because God can bring good even out of bad things. There is a lot of bad in the world, and these days, I may see more of it than I think I can bear. I shouldn’t be grateful for those things. God is bigger than sin. He can bring promises out of pain, blessings out of suffering. He turns crucifixions into resurrections.
God transforms the bad things in my life into good things and uses them for good. I can be grateful in everything for several reasons: God has a plan for my life. He can use everything in my life for good. The pain is not going to last forever. If I know Jesus as Savior, I’m going to heaven. And he’s going to use even the hard things in life to build my character.
When bad things happen, don’t ask, “Why is this happening to me?” Instead, ask, “God, what do you want me to learn from this?”
When I learn from God, then I’ll grow more like Christ. Then I’ll be able to better see how he is working in my life and give him thanks in all circumstances.
In summary, I am to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for me in Christ Jesus. No matter what I ask God for, I need to ask with an attitude of gratitude. I can ask God for whatever I need, but need to do it with a thankful heart for what he’s already done. A lot of people, including myself, want to know what God’s will is in life. But God’s not going to show step two until step one is done. Step one is to be grateful for what God has already given. Everything we have is a gift from God! Be grateful for all of it. His Word tells me to give thanks in all circumstances. Notice it does not say to give thanks for all circumstances. There is a big difference. There are a lot of things in life I should not be thankful for. For instance, I should never be thankful for evil. It says to give thanks in every circumstance, because God can bring good even out of bad things. God is bigger than sin. He can bring promises out of pain, blessings out of suffering. He turns crucifixions into resurrections. God transforms the bad things in my life into good things and uses them for good. I can be grateful in everything: God has a plan for my life. He can use everything in my life for good. The pain is not going to last forever. If I know Jesus as Savior, I’m going to heaven. And he’s going to use even the hard things in life to build my character. When bad things happen, don’t ask, why, instead ask, God, what do you want me to learn from this? When I learn from God, then I’ll grow more like Christ. Then I’ll be able to better see how he is working in my life and give him thanks in all circumstances.
My joy, prayers, and thankfulness should not fluctuate with my circumstances or feelings. Obeying three commands, to be joyful, never stop praying, and to be thankful, often go against my natural inclinations. However, when I make a conscious decision to do what God says, I will begin to see people in a new perspective. Doing God's will makes it easier to be joyful and thankful. Paul wasn't teaching that I should thank God for everything that happens to me, but in everything. Evil does not come from God, so I should not thank him for it. But when evil strikes, I can still be thankful for God's presence and for the good that he will accomplish through distress.
Father, thank you for Your Word and Jesus as my savior and example. You want me and I need you in my life. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can always believe in, have faith in and can trust you in everything. This includes being the authority for my life, the source of my self-worth and my hope for the future. You have my best interests in mind. So I ask you to help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. Help me to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me.
Today, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, doing well and making a difference in others lives. I pray all these things through your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.
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