Giving Thanks

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“For this is God’s will for you.” You know, I’m taking this time to take a break from my ten ways to love videos because I want to share about this.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. So, let’s talk about giving thanks. Specifically in all circumstances.

If I am being honest, these verses were always hard for me. You want me to always be rejoicing? What if I’m sad? You want me to pray continually? I’ll admit, there have been times that I would forget to pray. And give thanks? In all circumstances? Really?

Think of everything you have gone through, everything you have experienced in your life. Not everything was good, right? Maybe you have lost jobs, loved ones have passed, your pet died, you are experiencing friendship struggles, a relationship failed, ect… Do you see why it would be hard to give thanks?

But here’s the thing I’m realizing more and more: it does not say to give thanks for these circumstances. You do not have to be thankful that you lost your job, someone hurt your feelings, or for any struggle you face. But, you can be thankful amidst these circumstances.

God is with us. The Holy Spirit resides in us. The blessing of the Holy Spirit’s presence in us helps us become more grateful. Don’t you see?

Yeah it sucks your loved one has cancer. It sucks someone hurt you. It sucks you lost your job, a friend left your life, your pet died. It hurts when you lost someone from death. It is scary and worrisome when you are facing uncertainty.

But there is always something to be thankful for amidst it all. I lost my sister, but I’m thankful for all the fun times I had with her. I have experienced plenty of broken friendships. But I’m thankful for what each person has taught me. I was deeply depressed one time, and couldn’t see anything good in life at all… But I was thankful God stayed with me throughout it all.

Like I stated earlier, Thanksgiving is just right around the corner. A time of giving thanks. Everyone is facing something they are dealing with. I am right now, and I am sure you are too. So do me a favor. When you are sitting at your Thanksgiving table, find even that one little thing to be thankful for. No matter what it is you are facing. Even if it is just that God is present amongst it all.

Find something to be thankful for. Give thanks in all circumstances. For it is God’s will for you.

Happy Thanksgiving, and God bless you.