Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV)

Just slow down and think about what the apostle Paul taught as he came to the end of his first letter to the Thessalonian Christians. This is God’s will in Christ for you: always rejoicing, constantly praying, and giving thanks in all circumstances. But let the end of this direction rest on you for a moment. Give thanks in ALL circumstances. This is a week that our country has set aside as a time for thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is something that we think about when it comes to the good things we presently have or are experiencing in our lives. But I want us to consider how Paul does not say to give thanks when things are going well. Paul does not say that give thanks when you see God’s blessings in your life. Paul does not say to give thanks when you receive answered prayers. Paul would say yes to those reasons to give thanks. But notice that Paul says to give thanks in every circumstance…

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