Give Thanks

Give Thanks

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

I ran into some old friends recently and asked them how things were going. They said they were doing well, but then they began to tell me in detail how rough their year had been. It started with a car accident that left them dealing with vehicle damage, insurance difficulties, and the financial burden to purchase a new car. Then they experienced major health issues lasting several months, resulting in lost work. Just as they recovered, they suffered a relapse. They also had an incident involving one of their foster children that was misinterpreted, causing a major battle with child protective services in which one of their other children nearly got taken away. They described how they had fought battle after battle.

Their story caused me to reflect on my own journey this past year. It started as a transitional period filled with sorrow. I navigated through inner healing, forgiveness, and financial struggles. If I had been asked this question before hearing my friends' story, I probably would have said it was such a rough year and that I had been "through the mill." But after hearing what they went through, I thought, "Wow, my year really wasn't that bad after all!"

There are moments when gratitude feels natural—when life is peaceful, doors are opening, and blessings are obvious. But there are other moments when thanksgiving feels almost impossible. The bills are due. People disappoint you. Circumstances shift without warning. Our heart feels weary, and our mind feels stretched thin.

It is in those moments that Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 hit harder:
“In everything give thanks.”

Notice Paul doesn’t say to be thankful for everything. God never asks us to thank Him for the things that break us—only to thank Him within them. Gratitude in the middle of difficulty is not denial; it’s direction. It turns our eyes away from the storm and back toward the One who commands it.

Thanksgiving is not an emotion—it’s a decision.
It’s choosing to say, “God, You are good,” even when life feels confusing.
It’s choosing to remember, “God, You are here,” even when answers seem delayed.
It’s choosing to declare, “God, You are faithful,” even when the outcome is still hidden.

Why is this God’s will for us?
Because gratitude protects our heart.
It softens our spirit.
It shifts our perspective.
It keeps us from drowning in everything that is wrong by anchoring us in everything that is true.

While there was much heartache this past year, I am so grateful for the many blessings I received. The people I met, the time I got back to spend with my family and the Lord—these were the best parts of the year. Peace and order was restored in my home, and we made so many new memories. It started with death and ended with birth. What I thought was the worst thing turned out to be a blessing. It was a season of monumental growth—stepping out of my comfort zone, trying new things, and meeting new people.

Fortunately for my friends everything worked out for them in the end. All their kids are healthy and thriving and the husband gained a new job opportunity that was better than before. Praise God!

Thankfulness is the gateway to peace.
It is the posture that opens the door for God’s presence to flood our mind and steady our heart. And the beautiful thing is this: we’re not expected to do it on our own. Paul ends the verse with the key—
“…in Christ Jesus for you.”

In Christ, we have grace to be grateful even on hard days.
In Christ, we can recognize His goodness even when nothing makes sense.
In Christ, we can hold onto hope because He holds onto you.

One thing I know for sure: while we're looking at all the people who are doing better than we are, there are most assuredly many people who are doing much worse. Today, we may not be able to change our situation—but we can choose our stance within it. And every time we choose gratitude, we shift the atmosphere of our soul.

🙏 Prayer

Lord, teach us to give thanks in every season. Open our eyes to see Your goodness, even in difficult places. Strengthen our hearts to trust that You are working behind the scenes. We choose gratitude today—not because everything is perfect, but because You are. In Jesus’ name, amen.