IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS

Have you ever had one of the “Aha” moments in reading the Bible, when the lightbulb came on and a verse of Scripture became clearer? Well, I had one recently. While reading an article by a dear brother in Christ, he spoke about 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Since I’m accustomed to using the New King James Version, I turned to what it had to say: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Jesus for you.”
I have looked at this verse as an encouragement for the many blessings we receive as children of God, which we should do. But in looking to a the English Standard Version of the same verse, I came away with an even greater appreciation of 1 Thessalonians 5:18, for there it reads, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Did you catch that? We are to give thanks “in all circumstances.” Whether things are going well for us or we are having struggles, we are to give thanks. Why? For no matter what the circumstances in life, God is always there. As we are reminded in Hebrews 13:5, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

What great words to instill confidence in us, knowing that no matter what, the Lord is always with us. So, as we go through our daily walks of life, may we remember to be thankful to our Father in heaven, no matter the circumstances or the conditions we are under, for He is with us and will take care of us!