Giving Thanks in Every Circumstance

What does it mean when the Bible says to be thankful always. Really? Always??

Can gratitude change the way I view problems or tragedies? Have you heard that thankfulness can improve relationships? Can gratitude make us healthier?

INTRO

So, what does the Bible mean for everyone to “Give thanks Always?” This is what the Bible says. 1 Thessalonians 5:18  “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  In the Greek, “en panti” means “in all” or “in everything”. So, it means just what it says. Give thanks in every situation, no matter what the situation is. God wants us to give thanks when the car runs smoothly OR when it is totaled in an accident.

It is easy to be thankful when you are in your last semester of college and you get the job you wanted before graduation. It is easy when you walk your daughter down the aisle. It is easy when you see the birth of your child. Or when your son finally hits the ball over the fence for a home run. And the first week of retirement is just wonderful.

But, is “Giving thanks always” asking too much of us? I mean, being thankful when the love of your life has broken off the relationship? Being thankful when the baby has colic or just won’t stop crying? Being thankful you lost your job? Again? Isn’t this too much?

Answer: No

But for us to “Give thanks in all circumstances” means we must look inside ourselves. We must evaluate what we do when bad events happen. We must change how we view problems or relationships.

First, Don’t blame God, or anyone, for the bad situation we might find ourselves in. Remember 2 ideas. First, God sends rain on the just and the unjust (Matt 5:17). So, Everyone has problems. Second, it is the Devil, Satan, who is against everyone who was created by God. If you can breathe, he wants you to give up on God. He fights against God. So, he may cause you problems. Just remember Job, and where his problems came from (if you want to know, ask us.)

Next, let’s imagining. Let’s do some “What If’s…”

“What if” you viewed problems, any kind of bad event as an opportunity? When the love of your life has broken the relationship, what if you see it as an opportunity to search out a better person – someone who believes as you do? Would that make a difference? Yes, now you can be thankful.

WHAT IF… Your house catches on fire? You lose everything. No clothes. No tv. Even your cell phone burns up with all those pictures in it. How can I be thankful?  First consider that you are still alive. You were not injured in the fire. Second, remember that dumpy old couch that the dogs tore the stuffing from? Well, you will probably get a better one, now. Maybe a new cell phone. A nice bathroom. These are things you can be thankful for.

WHAT IF… You have a family member who has been convicted of a crime and is going to prison for a while, say, 5 years. Everyone in town thinks your whole family is crooked. And that person was a major part of the family income. Now what? Thankful?? Really??

Yes. Really.

God expects you to be thankful in ALL circumstances. First, your family member is being disciplined by the legal system, and they will be back. Second, you can downsize the family’s expectations to something easier to manage. Maybe it is time to save money on cable or satellite television bill. Maybe you will eat out less frequently. And other family members can grow to be more responsible for different essential household jobs. Any of these can leave you thankful.

Ok, WHAT IF… a Tornado, or a hurricane comes? Or a flood like in North Carolina, Or some other natural disaster? This time not everything is gone or destroyed, or washed away. Just soooo much damage. And the constant sight of debris gets to be depressing. How can anyone be thankful for this?

Well, again, just as before, remember that you are alive. And your neighbors and friends are not hurt. And you can have a new kitchen. Maybe new sheet rock and fresh paint on the walls. And the old stained carpeting is being replaced with tile or spotless new carpet. And the highway they are rebuilding will be much smoother, hopefully soon. Yes, you can be thankful in every situation.

WHAT IF… you are told by your doctor that you have a terminal disease, like cancer? How can I be thankful for cancer?

Now that one is a bit more challenging. Just remember that most folks go through the shock or denial stage, and then anger at God or everyone stage. But, now, you won’t be taking anyone for granted, especially family members. Your husband or wife. Your children. You still may have opportunities to create some very special memories with each one because you do know that your time is limited. You can give thanks for each one, and the fun times you have already had. And remember the days full of laughter and thank God for them.

But most especially, you have time to evaluate your relationship with God as you look into eternity. Maybe it can stand some adjustments. Here at TimelessTalks.Net, we do have several videos with thumbnails like these that can help you with your evaluations. We love you and are anxious to help.

Being thankful in all circumstances also has other benefits for you. In my research I discovered how giving thanks often can reduce the frequency of despondency and depression. That’s something good.

I also learned that folks who practice being thankful in every circumstance have improved health. Yeah. They have reduced stress, they have improved heart health, they get better sleep, have stronger immune systems, experience lower inflammation, reduced pain perception, and improved mental health.

You can develop the ability to look beyond the immediate problem to see yourself as an overcomer. Here is a verse you could use. Luke 9:51  “When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.” When Jesus saw his ministry coming to a climatic end, he “set his face”. He resolved the future pain as necessary.  He saw his ascension as his going back home to his place of glory. But before he got back home, he resolved to deal with all the sins of mankind. He would be beaten and flogged. He would die an excruciating death. All to give people, like you, a chance to accept God’s grace through obedience, and go to heaven. But, even then, he would be resurrected. He would live forever as Lord of Lords and King of Kings. If you want more information about Jesus, we would be glad to help.

If you are having struggles with being thankful in all circumstances, maybe we can help. We are willing to try. You can call to leave a message or text the number on the screen. We will get back to you quickly with simple Bible answers to your situation. We care. You could use our contact page or the prayer request page on TimelessTalks.Net, too.

Thank you for watching. Until we can visit again, goodbye for now.