Be Thankful
...for this is the will of God
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
As many prepare to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with friends, family, and loved ones, it’s also a time to reflect on the year that is nearly at an end. This year has been different, for a variety of reasons. The country is in disarray and we’ve gone through our share of trials in our personal lives.
For many, it might not be easy to celebrate the holiday. But 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to be thankful in all circumstances, for this is the will of God for the believers in Christ Jesus.
This verse highlights three things: being thankful in all circumstances, the will of God, and the believers in Christ. We are reminded that in the good and the bad, the ups and the downs of life, in sickness and in health, we are to be thankful.
Paul writes about this in Philippians as well, saying:
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
…
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
— Philippians 4:6, 11–12 (NIV)
In these Philippians verses, it’s important to remember Paul was writing from prison, saying: don’t be anxious, be content in all circumstances. It’s easy to be content when things are going well, but in prison? That’s what Paul is imploring the believer to do: be content in need or in plenty.
The believer has reason to be thankful in all circumstances, and the reason is Jesus. He is with you in the good and the bad. You’re not going through it alone. No matter how bad it seems, belonging to Jesus means that a way out of the situation is being prepared, and that’s a reason to have hope and faith in His goodness. In Christ, you always have enough.
The Will of God
The second thing to highlight is the will of God. We are to give thanks in all circumstances because it is God’s will.
It might be uncomfortable, but God knows where you are, and you are a part of God’s plan. You are on God’s agenda. Everything God sets in motion has a purpose. He doesn’t mean harm for us. He is good, and all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose (Rom. 8:28).
Whatever the circumstance, it’s the middle and not the end. Things are often bad before they get better, and it is for the believer to trust in God through it all. Suffering is not a misstep or a mistake; it’s part of the plan.
When we don’t know what to do, we should give thanks. There’s always something to be thankful for: waking up in the morning, having the movement of your limbs, being in your right mind, being able to see the sun, or anyone. Not being alone. Knowing that Christ is with you.
As Christians, we find a reason to tell God “thank you.” By acknowledging His presence and what He has done in your life, you change your mindset and recognize that God is in control. Always give thanks, for this is the will of God.
You Belong to Christ Jesus
The third thing to remember is that you belong to Christ Jesus. You are kept and covered. You have a Father in heaven, and you are His child. When you belong to God, He sees and cares for you just like He does for Jesus. And Jesus is at the right hand of God interceding on your behalf.
Belonging to Jesus is the best place you can be, because you are loved, protected, and cared for. You’re part of the flock. We are the sheep of His pasture. The Lord is your Shepherd and therefore you want for nothing.
As an old hymn says, it’s mighty nice to be on the Lord’s side. The Lord is always victorious, and therefore you are on the winning side. It’s important to remember who you are and whose you are. As a believer, you belong to Christ, and that’s a reason to be thankful.
I pray that this will be a blessed Thanksgiving for all of God’s children, and that the spirit of being grateful and thankful would rest in us and with us throughout this season, for the rest of the year, and into the new year. Whether we have or we don’t have, we should always…
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
Great reminder and timely message. Thankful for you, dear heart ❤️