How Can I Be Thankful in All Circumstances?

In review of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 I reminded to  “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (NIV).

Paul wasn't saying that I should thank God for everything that happens to me, as evil does not come from God, so I should not thank him for it. However, when evil does strike, I can still be thankful for God's presence and for the good that he will accomplish through distress it creates. 

We celebrate a day of thanksgiving once a year. But I believe God wants me to be intentional about my thankfulness every day. He wants me to develop this spiritual habit, one that is reflected in the life of a radical believer. The more deeply I understand God’s love, the more grateful I’ll be.

To be radically grateful means that in every circumstance give thanks, because it’s God’s will for my life.

I can thank God in every circumstance because God is in control. He can bring good out of evil. He can turn around the worst mistakes I’ve made. No matter what happens, God isn’t going to stop loving me. If I look, I can find lots of things to be thankful for in any circumstance, even when the circumstance stinks. Being thankful, is God’s will because it creates fellowship.

Gratitude will always builds deeper relationships between myself and others and between my and God. If I want to get closer to someone, I need to start expressing gratitude to that person. 

To build others, text, email, call or write others. Say, “I’m grateful for you, and here’s why.” I’ll find that the more grateful I am the stronger the bond will be.

The Bible tells us to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV). As I build others up, I’ll find that God also builds into my life through my deep relationships with him and others.

Father, this is a fitting verse for me today, especially as my team is experiencing a problem with one of our key capabilities folks need to do their work. While I would prefer it didn’t happen, I can look for what you are doing in and through this. And more importantly how you can use me to be a source of encouragement that those who work for me will need.

I pray this morning for your wisdom and guidance in this situation and in what work I have to do today. Help me to lead well and interact with others. I pray this through your Son Jesus name amen.