TODAY’S VERSE:
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
We recently spent some time in prep school discussing the blessing of giving thanks to God. The kids were asked to write down 5 things that they were grateful for, including details about why it is they were so thankful for them. Here are some of the cool things they listed: the grace of God, family (relatives and church), the Bible, God’s creation, their cats, and even donuts! Is it silly to thank God for things like cats and donuts? Nope, because…
James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
We would definitely describe cats and donuts as good and perfect (kidding), wouldn’t you? 🙂
So, does the Lord tell us to be grateful only for pleasant things like cute animals and desserts? Nope, as today’s verse tells us, we are to thank God in ALL circumstances, even those we do not find enjoyable. The kids were also asked to include a not so pleasant thing that they were grateful for. Here is what they listed: separation from people in their lives who were ungodly, injury/pain, and discipline.
Wait a minute, we are to be grateful for suffering? Yup! The Bible teaches us that we learn obedience through suffering. Just as your parents discipline you in order to teach you important life lessons, God does the same for all of us as well.
Psalm 119:71 “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.”
Hebrews 12:11 “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
God has a plan, a perfect plan, for each and every one of His children. This plan includes both laughter and tears. We are to have faith, trusting that God knows what is best.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Once we learn to trust God, knowing that He loves us, then we will rightly be able to give thanks to Him in ALL circumstances!
Psalm 136:1 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.”