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1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Being Thankful Always.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

CONTEXT

Our joy, prayers, and thankfulness should not fluctuate with our circumstances or feelings. Obeying these three commands - be joyful, never stop praying, and be thankful - often goes against our natural inclinations. When we make a conscious decision to do what God says, however, we will begin to see people in a new perspective, and we will have an easier time being joyful and thankful. [Life Application SB 2019]

INTRODUCTION

Paul was not teaching that we should thank God for everything that happens to us but in everything that happens to us. Evil does not come from God, so we should not thank him for it. But when evil strikes, we can still be thankful for God's presence and for the good that he will accomplish through the distress. [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARLS

   Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings - as much a duty as it is to pray. If we are heaven-bound, how can we go as a band of mourners, groaning and complaining all along the way to our Father's house?
   Those professed Christians who are constantly complaining, and who seem to think cheerfulness and happiness a sin, have not genuine religion. Those who take a mournful pleasure in all that is melancholy in the natural world, who choose to look upon dead leaves rather than to gather the beautiful living flowers, who see no beauty in grand mountain heights and in valleys clothed with living green, who close their senses to the joyful voice which speaks to them in nature, and which is sweet and musical to the listening ear - these are not in Christ. They are gathering to themselves gloom and darkness, when they might have brightness, even the Sun of Righteousness arising in their hearts with healing in His beams. MH251

This command is an assurance that even the things which appear to be against us will work for our good. God would not bid us be thankful for that which would do us harm. MH255

COMMENTARY

The Habit of Gratitude
   It's easy to practice gratitude when things are going our way. When we get the job or cross the milestone or win the competition. But unfortunately, life doesn't always consist of those mountaintop moments. There are far more times when your gratitude will be tested by the barrage of trivialities and inconveniences of everyday life.
   If that's you and you're struggling with gratitude, the encouragement is simple but effective: pray. Pray continually. When you spend time directing your thoughts toward God, you realize that gratitude is a response first and foremost to God's continual love. It's about gaining the right perspective on your life, a humble human before a loving Lord. With this lowly posture, you'll more quickly move past annoyances and find your way back to rejoicing.
   Pray today for a mind that has been captured by God's brilliant love. Ask Him to replace callousness and cynicism with awe and wonder in your heart, and watch how gratitude permeates your every breath.
   God, break through my barriers that keep me from gratitude, and elevate my eyes, that I would give thanks to You always. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio]

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

   Giving thanks in all circumstances involves maintaining a spiritual perspective that transcends current, fleeting difficulties by focusing on eternal joy and God's sovereignty. This is achieved by intentionally practicing gratitude as a lifestyle rather than a feeling, using tools like prayer, journals, and acknowledging God's faithfulness in both good and bad times.
   Here are specific ways to give thanks and manage your responsibilities:
   Cultivating a Lifestyle of Thanks
      o Decide to, Don't Feel It: Choose to express gratitude even when you do not feel it. This shifts your focus from the problem to God's character.
      o Create Daily Habits: Start your morning by thanking God for the new day, and use visual reminders to keep a thankful mindset throughout the day.
      o Reframe Difficulties: Look for the "why" behind the trouble, recognizing that challenges can be a way to display God's strength.
      o Practice "Eucharisteo": Incorporate gratitude into your daily life by thanking God for specific, small things.
   Accomplishing Tasks (Managing Responsibilities)
      o Focus on the Present: Don't let anxiety about the future or past mistakes hinder your current duties; focus on what you can do right now.
      o Remember God's Strength: Rely on God's strength to get through your tasks, understanding that His power is made perfect in weakness.
      o Prioritize and Delegate: Focus on what is most important, and seek help or delegate tasks when necessary, allowing you to manage your workload.
      o Rest in God's Peace: When you feel overwhelmed, turn to prayer and petition, which can bring a peace that guards your heart and mind, helping you focus on your tasks.
   By focusing on God's sovereignty and incorporating gratitude into your daily routines, you can maintain a thankful heart while effectively managing your responsibilities. AI

CLOSING THOUGHT

When you wallow in the past or worry about the future, your awareness of Me grows dim. But the more you trust Me, the more frilly you can live in the present, where My Presence awaits you always... A grateful attitude is essential for living near Me. Ingratitude is offensive to Me, and it drags you down both spiritually and emotionally. [Jesus Always by Sarah Young]

SPECIAL PRAISE SONGS

Give Thanks by Don Moen - Live Worship Sessions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blbslHDgceY

Give Thanks by Sonya Nancy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXBxImes110

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Building Gratitude Avoids Becoming Bitter.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20231128-0743.html

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Being Thankful Always.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20231025-0937.html

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - How To Be Thankful Always.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20191123-1531.html
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210907-0929.html