Give Thanks in All Circumstances

“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 When we think about the “big” questions in life, what are some that come to mind? “What does God want from me?” Or, “What does God want for me?” Those are some big-picture questions. What about the ones that are a bit smaller? “What career should I pursue?” “Where should I go to school?” “Whom should I marry?” These are certainly big questions, but they might not be the ultimate issue questions. And then of course you have the small, day-to-day questions. “What book should I read?" “What game should I play?” “What should I have for dinner?” Here’s what Paul says when it comes to the questions, decisions and results of life: In every situation and in every decision, we are to rejoice and give thanks. Not sometimes. Not when we feel like it. Always! If we’re honest, the adverb “always” trips us up. How is it possible to rejoice “always?" How can we give thanks when we are sick or worried about inflation, or when we get a poor grade or lose a friend? It must be possible, or God would not will it for us. Here’s where I think Paul tells us the answer. In verse 18 he says, “In Christ Jesus.” Note that he’s not saying that we give thanks for all circumstances, but that we can give thanks in all circumstances. No matter what questions we ask or face, no matter what happens to us in life, no matter how we feel about things in the moment, we can still give thanks. As we approach this Thanksgiving, may we pause to give thanks for all of God’s many blessings. May we see His faithfulness and goodness regardless of our questions or circumstances. Finally, may we know what it means to be “in” Christ Jesus. Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!