In Every Thing Give Thanks

“In every thing give thanks.”  That can certainly seem like a tall order on some days, can’t it?  Give thanks even when we are mistreated?  Cut off in traffic?  Not given the benefit of the doubt? Passed over for a job opportunity?  Misrepresented?  Even then, Lord?     

The first part of this verse presents a straightforward command – give thanks.  In those two words, we have a non-negotiable.  Regardless the circumstances, God expects us to be thankful.  Often we may wonder how we could possibly be thankful for anything given the current circumstances . . . but God’s command remains – give thanks. 

Despite our circumstances, we can be thankful that our Lord is our Shepherd (Psalm 23:1).  We can be thankful that He sacrificially loves us and offers us salvation (John 3:16) + plans to prosper us and not do us harm (Jeremiah 29:11), + provides the grace needed to face whatever He has allowed into our lives (2 Corinthians 12:9).  

Today, circumstances may bring uncertainty, fear, and disappointment, but undoubtedly, our God stands ready and able to provide certainty, calm, and encouragement, expecting that we live with a spirit of gratitude.  Through our obedience to His command, we learn to better trust in Him.

And why should we give thanks?  Because “it is the will of God in Christ Jesus” – most motivational reason of all.  God’s will, God’s grace, God’s timing, God’s purpose – we need to ensure that we adjust our will to His Will, and that regardless the circumstances, we purpose to be thankful.  

Thankfulness is a daily choice.  A moment-by-moment choice.  Sometimes a second-by-second choice.  Though we may falter far too often in not following that command, we can purpose with each and every circumstance we face to do better than we did the day before.  Imperfect progress.