1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
When you’re going through a season of great change and stress, how do you maintain joy? You do it by developing the habit of thanking God for all that’s good, despite all that’s bad.
This principle is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Be thankful IN all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (NLT). This means that we should develop an attitude of gratitude in every situation. It doesn't mean that we have to be thankful for everything that happens to us, especially the bad things like cancer or car accidents. We don’t have to be thankful for all the evil in the world.
But every time you take a minute to express gratitude to God about anything—it could be your favorite music, a spot in nature, or Scripture—it helps refill your empty emotional tank so you can move forward in life. Choosing to be thankful is for your own good; it keeps you from becoming bitter and helps you to finish strong.
Being grateful is easy when your emotional tank is full and things are going great. It’s much harder to find something to be thankful for when you're facing a crisis or prolonged chronic stress. But that’s when you need to express gratitude the most.
The story of Job is a great example of gratitude during hard times. He was a wealthy and successful man, but he lost everything in a single day. He didn't know why it all happened to him, and he had every reason to be angry and bitter. Despite this, he continued to trust God. Even in his darkest moment, he fell to the ground and worshiped God, saying, “May the name of the LORD be praised” (Job 1:21 NIV).
One of the most practical yet powerful habits you can develop is to make a daily gratitude list. Just sit down for five minutes each day and ask yourself, "What am I grateful for?” It’s a habit that will strengthen your soul and keep you going when you feel like giving up.
Even in our darkest moments, we can follow Job's example and gratefully worship God, knowing that his will for us is to give thanks in all circumstances.
Talk It Over
What does having a grateful attitude reveal about your belief in a good God?
What are some things you have taken for granted that you can start thanking God for today?
When has an attitude of gratitude given you the strength to get through a hard time?
- by Pastor Rick
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Prayer:
Father,
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for Your unending goodness and mercy. Thank You for the gift of life, for the breath in our lungs, the strength in our body, and the clarity in our minds. Thank You for the light of day, the shelter of home, the love of family, and the countless small and great blessings that surround us.
Even in moments of challenge, we choose to see Your hand at work, trusting that You are good, faithful, and present. Thank You for Your patience, Your compassion, and Your constant presence. Forgive us for times when we have been slow to thank You, and renew our hearts to focus on You alone. Lord, help us to live each moment with a thankful spirit, to reflect Your love in our words and actions, and to find joy in Your presence. May our gratitude be a constant prayer, not just on special days, but in all circumstances. We give You praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen
Even in moments of challenge, we choose to see Your hand at work, trusting that You are good, faithful, and present. Thank You for Your patience, Your compassion, and Your constant presence. Forgive us for times when we have been slow to thank You, and renew our hearts to focus on You alone. Lord, help us to live each moment with a thankful spirit, to reflect Your love in our words and actions, and to find joy in Your presence. May our gratitude be a constant prayer, not just on special days, but in all circumstances. We give You praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen
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