Give Thanks in All Circumstances
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
In the past, I have often found myself frantically trying to search out God’s will for my life. As important decisions come up in life, it is all too easy to get stuck in the details. Does God want me to take this job or that job? Does God want me to go to this school or that school? When should I get married and start a family?
These are all important life decisions, and I believe that God will give us wisdom to make good decisions. However, in our obsession with details, it is tempting to forget the big picture. No matter what circumstances are occurring in our lives, it is God’s will for us to be joyful, to pray, and to give thanks. Whether things are going well and our plans are falling together or whether we are confused about life and feel like every plan we make is frustrated, we still know God’s will for our lives. Be joyful, pray, and give thanks.
This Thanksgiving holiday, whatever your circumstances may be, try applying these three things to your life. If you are able to be with family and friends, be joyful, pray, and give thanks for what you have. If you are lonely and discouraged by life’s circumstances this holiday season, remember God’s unfailing love for you and His ultimate plan for your life. His desire is that all of us would be saved from our sins and know Him personally and intimately. Even if life looks nothing like you want it to, rest assured that God sees you, knows you, and loves you. His presence is the greatest gift we could ever receive, and it is reason enough to be joyful and give thanks, no matter how tough things get. If you find that difficult to wrap your mind around, pray that God would help you receive the truth of His love today. I also join with all who read this posting today and ask God to give you a revelation of His nearness.
May you be encouraged and reminded of all that He has done in your life as you watch this video version of “Give Thanks”:
What are you thankful for today?
