Giving Thanks in all circumstances

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. NIV

Are you finding it hard to be thankful this year?, not feeling very celebratory? Every year some people face this holiday weighted down by memories or situations that make it hard to be thankful. But I think this year the continued disruption to all our lives is weighing heavy & we are tired.

When I look at Paul’s instruction to us, I see the need for us to look for Gods goodness, love, and faithfulness in our lives, even if it’s just a spec we can be thankful for. We may even find ourselves praising Him & our whole perspective changing.

The first thanksgiving followed a time of great uncertainty, challenges, & loss. Yet their thanksgiving celebration lasted 3 days. President Lincoln called for a thanksgiving during the Civil War because he was amazed at the abundant crops in such a time of troubles.

So let’s spend some time between now & our thanksgiving table to consider our reasons to be, because it’s Gods will for us to be thankful.