Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Life isn’t always easy. Actually, life is rarely easy and many times chaos and pain can be overwhelming. So how are we supposed to give thanks? Do we need to be grateful for our bad situation?
Paul writes this letter to a church that faced persecution, seeing many in its fellowship die, and who struggled in its newly found faith. It is to this audience that the apostle writes extensively about the future. God reigns. The coming return of Christ permeates the letter and offers hope.
It helps my understanding when I read the Bible in context. “Give thanks in all circumstances” isn’t a sappy reminder to put on a happy face no matter what. It’s a reminder that even in the worst circumstances, we can be grateful for the hope we have been given in Christ.
Give thanks. Always.
Come, let’s sing to Adonai! Let’s shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation! Let’s come into His presence with thanksgiving; let’s shout for joy to Him with songs of praise. Psalm 95:1-2
