How can I give thanks in all circumstances?
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
As you wake this morning, pick out your living room outfit and watch the Macys day parade with a casserole in the oven, I realize that some of you might not be prepared inwardly as you appear to be outwardly for the day ahead. Jesus sees you today. He sits with you. He grieves with you. He sympathizes with you. He has not abandoned you, nor will He. The pain of yesterday, the grief of today, and the worries of tomorrow may be overwhelming you like a crashing wave, and all you may be asking is how can you have a heart filled with gratitude when life’s circumstances are telling you it’s impossible? Biblical gratitude isn’t based on circumstances but rather on the one who is in control of the circumstances. Even when circumstances change, He doesn’t. You can rejoice today because of the work of Jesus on the cross. You can rejoice today because the tomb is empty. You can rejoice today for the hope of heaven. You can rejoice today because you have breath in your lungs. With eternal eyes, slow down and you will begin to see the fingerprints of a good God at work all over your life. If your heart is heavy today, approach the throne of grace and pray fervently. Your complaining or hard-heartedness won’t change anything, but prayer will. If the apostle Paul were to crash your Thanksgiving lunch, I can imagine him sitting down and telling story after story of his imprisonments, being shipwrecked, and beaten, yet even still he would say, “I chose to rejoice in the Lord.” Paul’s rejoicing didn’t mean that he masked his emotions, yet he had hope in the middle of them. Gratitude is God’s free medicine to our souls. Express gratitude the most when you feel like it the least. Do you want to walk in God’s will for your life? Rejoice + pray + give thanks. God has been good to you. Today you are living in his grace. Give thanks continually. Don’t let the enemy quiet your rejoicing. The giver has given His best, His one and only son. That’s enough to hit your knees and give gratitude, for all your days.
