“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
In one survey several years ago a television ministry asked viewers what their number one question is. The response: How do I know God’s will for my life? Probably most of the responders meant things like where do I work, who do I marry and where should I live. That’s often what I’ve meant by the will of God for my life.
But that’s not where we begin. There are things God reveals as His will that are just Christianity 101. Before leaping to specifics it is important to understand the things God has already revealed to be His will. One of those revelations is in this verse. It is God’s will for us to be thankful—in all circumstances.
Gratitude is an attractive quality for anyone. Showing gratitude is not just polite; it shows something about our character. It demonstrates that we don’t feel entitled but we are grateful for everything we receive. It’s easy to take things for granted. However, we receive many blessings, not because we earned them, but because God has graciously offered them to us. Acknowledging that we have been blessed will shape our attitudes.
Stopping for a moment to think of all I have received from God, from my friends and even from people I don’t know is enough to correct any feelings of self-pity I might otherwise entertain. So my testimony is simple. God has been better to me than I deserve. That’s called grace and I’m extremely thankful.
