Rejoice always! Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Don’t stifle the Spirit. Don’t despise prophecies, but test all things. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.    1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 HCSB

Here Paul tells us to give thanks in everything or in all circumstances for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus.

How do you give thanks in all circumstances? How can you be thankful during hard times? Let’s look at the context of this passage. Paul had gone to Thessalonica and ministered to the people there. Many Jews had converted to Christianity. So many so, that the Jews had evicted him from the city. Paul is writing from Corinth to encourage the converts in Thessalonica to remain strong until the day of the Lord or the day of judgment. He is encouraging them not to listen to false teachers trying to discourage them. This is why he warns them to test all things, hold on to what is good and avoid evil. He begins by encouraging them to always rejoice, pray and be grateful.

Ever wonder why it took the Israelites 40 years to make a 14-day trip? It was simply their lack of gratitude. They habitually grumbled and complained to God and Moses. They never consistently trusted in the Lord. Instead, they consistently fell into idol worship, suffered punishment, begged for forgiveness, were forgiven, lived well for a short time then repeated the pattern. They would do this over and over for 40 years.

I used to pity those Israelites until I realized I was living my life much like they had lived theirs. I found more things to complain about than to be grateful about. I have come to realize however, if God is with me, I have nothing to complain about. I know I will suffer here on earth, but my suffering has a purpose.

We are told in James 1:2-4 that we should consider it a great joy when we experience various trials because we know our suffering tests our faith and makes it stronger. When our faith is made stronger, it produces endurance. Endurance helps us to mature and be complete, lacking nothing. Simply put, the trials and tribulations we face make good, strong Christians.

Being happy when we go through these trials isn’t easy. Telling someone to simply be thankful no matter what is easier said than done, but if you look at our Scripture passage, Paul gives instructions on how to do this.

Make it a habit to rejoice always.  Yesterday, I had a trying day. I had a number of things that just weren’t working out. But Psalm 118:4 says, “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Each and every day is a gift from God. Be thankful and rejoice even if it isn’t going as planned. Remember God knows what is best for us. Running 5 minutes late may have saved you from being in a terrible crash, just trust in Him. He’s got this.

Then Paul tells us to pray constantly. We must stay connected to God through constant prayer. We are told in Proverbs 3:5-6 to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all we do or pray about everything, and He will lead us on the right path.

Remembering to rejoice and pray continually goes a long way to being grateful in all circumstances. When we stay close to the Lord, it is easy to not be taken in by false preachers and teachers. It’s easy to hold fast to our love for the Lord and stay strong until He calls us to our heavenly home.

And even in the worst of times, God is working it out for your good. Romans 8:28 tells us all things work for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. Put your faith in God. Rejoice always. Pray continually and be grateful in all circumstances.

Every day should be a day of thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving!