Give Thanks

There is often much confusion for those who encounter this scripture for the first time:

"...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thess 5:18 NIV

"Are you crazy?" one might ask.

It does seem rather ludicrous on the surface to give thanks in all circumstances, when there are so many circumstances for which we can't even begin to feel grateful. All of us have had times of sorrow, times of struggle, times of frustration -- times that saying "thanks" is the last thing on our minds.

So why would Paul write this? I mean, look at some of the things that he suffered for the sake of the Gospel...

Five times received 39 lashes of the whip.
Three times beaten with rods.
Once stoned.
Three times shipwrecked.
Spent a night and a day in the open sea.
Constantly on the move.
In danger from rivers, bandits, his own countrymen, Gentiles, false brothers.
In danger in the city, the country, at sea.
Labored and toiled and went without sleep.
Often went without food.
Often cold and naked. (2 Cor. 11:24-27)

Yet he writes this as well -- "...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Phil. 4:11)

You see, he wasn't necessarily thankful for his circumstances, but thankful through them. He knew that the end reward is far greater than the present suffering.

In many different, often difficult circumstances we find worship in the Old Testament often taking this form: "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." (1 Chron. 16:34)

(For a really good example of thankfulness in the midst of seemingly dire circumstances, read 2 Chronicles 20.)

It's not about our circumstances -- it's about God's goodness and his love for us.

This year, this week -- yeah, let's be thankful for our loved ones, for the things with which we have been blessed, for all the good gifts we have received.

But more so -- let's be thankful because we know that God is good and that His love for us never ends. All other circumstances pale in light of this fact. Our circumstances are temporary. God's goodness and love will carry us through eternity.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving.