Love God Greatly - the Greatest Gift Givenნიმუში

Giving Thanks in All Circumstances

Read: Ephesians 5:15–20; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

SOAP: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

As our calendars fill with good things and our to-do lists become longer, it can be easy to switch to auto-pilot. We have places to be, things to do, people to see, and suddenly the joy of this season fades away, replaced by obligations instead of celebration. Our amazing Father knew we would find ourselves in these situations and has given us a way to move through it:

Give thanks. 

Scripture instructs us to give thanks, not only at meals or before we fall asleep at night, but in all circumstances. Grumbling and gratitude cannot coexist, so if you feel overwhelmed, busy, unsure, or discouraged, unwrap the gift of gratitude God has given you and speak it over your circumstances. 

Even when things are hard, plans don’t go the way you expected, you have to say “no” to something good to leave room for something great, or expectations are unmet, look for what you can thank God for in that situation.

Living a life full of gratitude, especially when it’s not easy, will be a light in the darkness to those around you. Your example will be a gift to show that your love for God is more important than your love for your plans. It might just be the one thing someone else needs to experience to love God greatly. 

Prayer

God, You love me so much that You have even prepared a way for my heart and mind to stay focused on You in all circumstances. As this season becomes busy and my attention is pulled in a million little directions, help me to swap grumbling for gratitude so I can be a light to those around me. I give thanks to You in all circumstances because even when things don’t go my way, I trust and believe that Your way is better. Amen.