“…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Ever notice how difficult it is to be thankful in all circumstances? Especially in those hard times when your world is broken. When the people around you don’t even know you exist. When you are in pain. When you are physically, mentally, and emotionally drain. Those times when you don’t want to speak with anyone. You only want to withdraw and cry. Those are the times when you feel no one seems to understand what you are going through. You are in a self-pity party and no one else wants to show up.
We have all been there. If not yet, wait. One day you will find yourself at the end of yourself. In need of a savior.
The apostle Paul writes here that we all need to give thanks in all circumstances. Why? Because that is how the Triune God acts.
Through the incarnation, you and I are now buried and resurrected in Christ. Baptism reminds us of this. When we surrendered to Jesus, we committed ourselves to follow HIM. Our responsibility today is to learn to live the way Jesus lived. We don’t become like HIM via fiat. It is a process of transformation of the mind, heart, and will.
Every watch how parents struggle to teach their child when and how to express the words “thank you?” It doesn’t happen naturally. When someone gives their child a present, the parent coaches the child to say thank you. Most often, the child is repeatedly reminded. Then one day the words come out without the parent’s nudge. The entire process of learning may take years. Yet this is only behavior modification.
How much longer do you think it takes for the Holy Spirit to train our emotional heart to be thankful? Where our spirit is thankful without any coaching. And not only thankful, but with loving action. Where we follow through with our willpower to act like Jesus in the circumstances we face.
When we are thankful from the heart, we are expressing love in the situation. We are acknowledging our humanity and appreciation for what we gracefully receive. We are also focusing on God who is the ultimate giver. In a sense, being thankful is a mode of repentance. We are refocusing our mind toward Father-Son-Spirit. The giver of all good gifts.
When we are truly thankful, our attention is focus on others and not ourself. We find in so doing God’s love is extended toward others. The giver shares in their act of giving. They are being blessed. Jesus reminds us (Acts 20:35), “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” The cycle of giving and receiving allows both to enjoy the experience.
Thankfulness is the starting gun of every race. It leads one into putting everything in perspective. It allows love to lead. It focuses on God and others before self. It allows our spirit to align with God’s Spirit in the moment.
Learn to be thankful and you will learn to be more like Jesus.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)
Aspirations and Writings Neatly Bound in Book Formats:
* indicates audio version available at Apple Books
- Power Up With Jesus Book Series- Aspirations for a Grace-Paced Life *
- The Adventurous Journey of Transformation in Christ *
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: A Life-Giving Worldview *
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
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Radical In Christ 