In 1 Thessalonians 5, the apostle Paul, inspired by God, gives the church at Thessalonica a series of exhortations. As children of the day, who were anticipating the Lord’s return, they needed to live righteously. As a church, they needed to relate well to their leadership. Paul calls upon them to treat all their fellow believers kindly and patiently and to do good to one another. Paul admonishes the believers to be joyful at all times and to keep on praying. Perhaps most importantly, constant thanksgiving was to mark their lives.
In verse 18 Paul exhorts his readers to give thanks in all circumstances. He adds that it is God’s will to do so. Regardless how difficult our circumstances may be, we can find reasons to thank God. We can be thankful that all things work together for our good if we belong to Him (Romans 8:28). We can be thankful that God’s grace is sufficient to sustain us in every circumstance (2 Corinthians 12:9). We can be thankful that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:37–39). We can be thankful that God even supports us spiritually when trials produce difficulty in our prayer life (Romans 8:26). Rough circumstances also prove the genuineness of our faith (1 Peter 1:6–7).
Paul previously wrote to “Rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). Joy is not the same thing as happiness. In a similar way, Scripture notes the difference between giving thanks “for” our circumstances, as opposed to giving thanks “in” our circumstances.. As we celebrate Thanksgiving this Thursday let us remember that as children of God we should give thanks in all circumstances and at all times.
Praying everyone has a happy Thanksgiving!