As we just passed by Thanksgiving, I thought it would be a good time to have the Lord show us how important and powerful giving thanks really is. Soon approaching is the Christmas season, as we focus on the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Let’s begin with this very familiar verse.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 18
Certainly, we recognize that all our circumstances in life are not all good. This leads me to the question that most of us are asking. That question is:
How do we give thanks if our circumstances are not good?
If God is telling us to give thanks in ALL circumstances, how in the world do we do that when our circumstances may be bad? As we go to the good book for answers, I believe this question will be answered.
As we look where this opening scripture is found, I think we may have to unpack what’s going on in the chapter to get the full picture. Learning what’s going on before and after may help us to understand HOW we can give thanks when life seems like it’s beating us up.
Certainly, we recognize that all our circumstances in life are not all good. In his writing, he wants them to not neglect their daily work and is giving them encouragement to “Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 11
In our discouragement, look for opportunities to encourage someone else.
He begins his letter to the church in Chapter One, telling them how thankful he is for them. He says, “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor promoted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1: 2
These folks had firm confidence in Jesus and in His return. But I would guess that they had struggles just like we do. It’s part of life.
Yes, brothers and sisters, building each other up is God’s will for us. Be thankful that God puts others in our path to pull us up.
Right before Paul says to give thanks in all circumstances, he says this, “Be joyful always; pray continually.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-17
A Christian’s joy is not dependent on our circumstances. It comes from what Jesus has done, and it is constant. One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is joy. It’s an inner joy within our spirit that’s been rejuvenated by the Spirit of God within us.
We are told to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4: 4
To allow ourselves to embrace joy, even in bad circumstances, we change our focus to Jesus and rejoice in Him.
We need to remind ourselves more than once to rejoice in the Lord.
That’s why he said, “I’ll say it again, Rejoice!” Learn to rejoice in the Lord and give thanks for who He is.
If we truly understand the goodness of God in our life, we don’t need to understand why He allows certain things to happen. He always has our best interest at heart!
The next point is to take notice of what we can do to be joyful always.
We pray continually.
Remember the parable of the persistent widow? Here’s why Jesus “Told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18: 1
So, it is with us! Be persistent, pray continually and don’t give up.
God knows each and every circumstance we are in that is not good. He has a purpose for allowing difficulty. He has a purpose for us to endure and press through and press on. He knows the beginning and the end time for that circumstance to be resolved. He will get you through it; just cling to Him.
In this season of Thanksgiving, allow the Holy Spirit to rest upon you and purposely set time aside to just be still.
Open your Bible, put on a soft worship song; then watch God encourage you and release His joy that will give you strength. For we are promised that “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” Nehemiah 8: 10
Make God your highest joy! We cannot make the joy of the Lord our strength if we are making something else our strength.
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