I’m thankful for my wife, who fills my life with love. I’m thankful for my children, who bring me so much joy. I’m thankful for my parents and siblings, for my wonderful family. I’m thankful for my home in this beautiful valley, for my church, for my amazing co-workers, for the food on my table, for… I could go on and on. I have so much to be thankful for!
But What About the Bad Stuff?
It’s easy to be thankful for all these good things, but what about the not-so-good things? Am I thankful for them too? Am I thankful for my aching knees, pain in my back, unfulfilled hopes and dreams? Am I thankful when a loved one dies or a friend disappoints? How about when the flu hits and I can barely get out of bed? Am I thankful then?
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul says we should “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Once again Paul seems to command the impossible. First he tells us to “Rejoice always” (v. 16), then to “pray continually” (v. 17) and now he wants us to be thankful about everything. What is with this guy, anyways?
“In”, not “For”
To really understand what Paul is saying we have to look closer at the text. Paul doesn’t say we should “give thanks for all circumstances.” I mean, we’d seem pretty callus if we told someone whose child had just died they should be thankful he or she was gone. And I know I wasn’t thankful for the kidney stone I had a few weeks ago!
No, Paul says we should “give thanks in all circumstances.” He’s talking about our attitude, not our feelings. He’s telling us to have an attitude of gratitude.
If I suffer a setback in my personal life or things aren’t going well at work, I’m not thankful for the circumstance, but I still have a thankful attitude, because I know “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.
If a friend turns his back on me or a loved one leaves, I’m not happy I have to go through the pain, but I’m grateful I don’t have to go through it alone, “because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5.
Even when I lose someone dear and my heart breaks with grief, I am thankful for the hope of the resurrection, the promise that someday soon God “will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4.
It’s About Relationship
This “attitude of gratitude” is not something which come naturally, but is a result of a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul tells us, “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him.” Colossians 2:7a NLT.
When you accept Jesus as your Savior and spend time with Him day-by-day, you will learn to “Rejoice always”, “pray continually”, and “Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:7b NLT.
Today, lean on Jesus, trust in His love and let Him give you an attitude of gratitude. Make Him the center of your day and “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
God bless, have a wonderful day, and remember – “always be thankful”! (Colossians 3:15 NLT)