Give thanks in all circumstances

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the Apostle Paul gives us this advice: “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
Paul pioneered the church in Thessalonica. He went into the Jewish synagogue and proclaimed Jesus’ death and resurrection. Some Jews believed, plus many God-fearing Greeks and prominent women. But some Jews were jealous of Paul and drove him out of town. Paul wrote two letters to the Thessalonians to encourage them in their new-found faith in Christ. His command to his flocks in Thessalonica was this: “Be joyful always. Don’t stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances.” What? Be joyful always? We can be joyful sometimes but not always. What about the times that we feel like crying and screaming? What about after we failed our final exams? Are we supposed to be joyful then too?

Paul says, “Be joyful always…” Being joyful always does not come from our feelings; it comes through a decision of faith. Feelings change from time to time. So if we depend on our feelings, we cannot be joyful always. But when we make a decision of faith to please God, we can be joyful always. True joy comes from Jesus. Luke 2:10 says, “But the angel said to the shepherds, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’” Jesus is good news of great joy. Jesus is the source of our joy. When we do not have Jesus, we lose our joy.

God made us to be joyful, not gloomy or grumpy. Without joy, life is boring, so boring that people sit down for hours on end flicking their television remote or surfing the Internet. People are always seeking something to be joyful about. In ancient times, people sought joy by searching for the truth, such as the meaning or origin of life. So there were many philosophers. Just after the Industrial Revolution, many sought joy by studying science.

How about modern people? Many people seek joy through shopping. Some people are joyful when their sport teams win. Some people are joyful when they receive presents. Many people seek joy through drinking, parties, music concerts, movies and other forms of entertainment. They feel an emotional high for a short time. The problem is that the next day the emptiness and emotional let-down often follows.

Where does lasting joy come from? This joy does not come from favorable circumstances. This joy comes from God. Galatians 5:22 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Joy comes from the Holy Spirit. Once, Paul wrote from prison a letter to Philippians Christians saying, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4) How could Paul be joyful in prison? He could have grumbled, “Lord, why are you doing this to me? How long should I suffer in the prison?”.

If we want to know the will of God for our lives here is one clue: Give thanks in all circumstances. One might say, "How could I give thanks? You don't know my circumstances. I have absolutely no reason to give thanks for what happened to me." But in not giving thanks we relegate ourselves to the tyranny of a broken and fallen world. The Bible speaks of a fallen creation that needs rescue. Giving thanks reminds us and aligns us with God's plan for our lives.

Be Thankful (Author unknown)

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you are weary, because it means you've made a difference. It's easy to be thankful for the good things. Fulfillment comes to those who also are thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances.” Good advice for 2011, don’t you think? Have a blessed New Year!

Rod