Give Thanks

I was thinking about Thanksgiving and this verse came to mind while I prayed.  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."

I imagine, if you are like most people, your reaction is to question this perspective.  How in the world can you give thanks for all circumstances.  Well here is the key word in this passage that trips people.  The verse says "in" all circumstances not "for" all circumstances.  There are many things that come into our lives that will not inspire thanksgiving but grumbling and understandably so.

When you understand the difference in the phrasing it makes all the difference.  We can always be thankful  that God is with us through or "in" our circumstances.  He will walk with us, give us wisdom, peace, comfort, love, and guidance each step of the way.

On this Thanksgiving weekend whatever circumstance you find yourself "in" remember your all powerful, all knowing, gracious God who loves you and truly give thanks.

Holy, holy, holy are you God, our God, the God of all comfort.