Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

God gives us rhythms for life and practices that help us draw closer to him. The practice of rejoicing and saying thanks to God in all circumstances is a tall order. Sure, it is easy to thank God when times are good, when circumstances are favorable, and things are going well. There is a trapping of neglecting our gratitude, but often, it is much harder to say “thank you Lord” when life is hard. Are we really to thank God for job loss or illness? This scripture makes more sense when we realize we should give thanks which is the practice of being faithful and an ongoing attitude of gratitude and a posture of humility. Sometimes we need reminding of the bigger picture and prayer helps to reframe our situation. God loves us, sent his Son to save us from the perils of sin and saves us to a life with Him. Circumstances are usually fleeting, and suffering is part of the human condition. Christ overcomes all suffering, sickness, and even death (for even that is fleeting). For this, we should always rejoice! 

In Christ,
Pastor Elyse