A Tough Command

A Tough Command
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

Some verses are easier to memorize than practice. If we could simply remove a word or two, God’s command would feel do-able. Giving thanks is easy, but giving thanks in everything is a nearly impossible task. Often gratitude seems inappropriate, considering the depth of pain or turmoil we are experiencing, but we have a Comforter who helps us exercise thankfulness in every situation.

The Holy Spirit helps believers to do what God requires, and part of His work involves teaching us a habit of gratitude. Psalm 92:1-2 tells us that since “it is good to give thanks to the Lord, ” we ought to “declare [God’s] loving-kindness in the morning and [His] faithfulness by night.” In other words, we should regularly anticipate and recall His provision. But when believers awaken to painful circumstances that have no logical reason for thankfulness, our Comforter provides the motivation and words.

Thanksgiving during turmoil takes place neither spontaneously nor apart from another spiritual activity; prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 links the disciplines of rejoicing, prayer, and thanksgiving: both exultation and gratitude hinge upon regular communication with God. A prayer-less man cannot remain thankful for long because he is too overwhelmed by his problems. Talking to God forces problems to recede, so they can be replaced by peace.

The Lord commands us to exercise gratitude because He knows that the spirit is lifted and courage is strengthened when we focus on His work in our life. And as we watch Him intervene, we rejoice more, pray harder, and learn to give thanks in everything.