A Thrill of Hopeنموونە

The apostle Paul is such an incredible writer. His letters are so rich and while they are written to specific people at a specific time, there is so much wisdom we can glean from them on how to live now.

Our passage today ends with “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV) but it is also the final exhortation in the long line of ways in which we are to engage with the world around us. We are called to respect those leading us, to seek peace, encourage the fainthearted, to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and then, finally, give thanks in all circumstances. It shows an understanding that maybe - just maybe - not everything is going to be super shiny and we need the reminder to be thankful no matter what.

Maybe you’ve had moments this year where you had to seek peace. Maybe you were fainthearted and someone encouraged you, prayed for you, or helped you rejoice when it felt really hard. I know I have needed that this year. When people lived out the gospel around me, even when I didn’t want to hear it, I could see thanksgiving in all circumstances is an incredible gift.

We have been reflecting a lot this week, and we will continue to today. As you read through this passage, ask God to open your heart and mind to see your year how He saw it.

Today, ponder This: Where has God helped you be thankful when it was hard? When has He encouraged you when you were faith-hearted? Or, how did He use you this year to encourage those around you?