Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances.
In all circumstances?
How can that even be?
we wonder.
How could we possibly give thanks in all circumstances? In every situation? In every moment?
I can maybe see it in the minor inconveniences, we think.
And I could maybe choose joy in the sort of tough stuff. But in all circumstances? Every one? Even when it feels like the world is caving in? Even when it looks hopeless to the human eye? Even when others around me are angry or frustrated or afraid?
I know. It seems impossible...and maybe even ridiculous at times.
But the simple truth is, we can choose to give thanks in all circumstances.
Yes, it takes work. It takes effort.
It takes praying continually, as Paul says. It takes entering His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. It takes renewing our minds. It takes reminding ourselves, moment by moment, of the goodness of God, no matter the circumstance.
Yes, it takes work. Yes, it takes effort. And it's not always easy. In fact sometimes, it's downright painful. But the truth is, we can choose to give thanks in all circumstances.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV
In the middle of seemingly impossible circumstances and not sure even where to begin in giving thanks? Try starting
with something as simple as: Thank you, God, that You are on Your throne. Thank you, God, that You love me. Thank you, God, that You are my comfort. Thank you... Thank you... Thank you...
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise;
give thanks to Him and praise His name. Psalm 100:4 NLT
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
