In everything give thanks

Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

God commands us to do many things. Many times these things can seem to be very hard or even impossible. Sometimes God does not even give us instructions in how His command should be accomplished. Verse 18 of Thessalonians 5 commands that we "in everything give thanks." Notice that God is not asking that we should be thankful on Thanksgiving Day, when we get an A on a test, or when we win the lottery. He commands that we should be thankful even when we experience loss, or we experience trials, or when we are in pain.

As followers of Christ, "we know that all things work together of good for those who love God" Romans 8:28. Even the things that we are at a loss to explain their purpose, God uses to work together for good.

Some events in life are so tragic and horrible that we find it difficult to know how God could possibly use such an event to work together with others for good. But goodness is in God's nature. "For every creation of God is good" Titus 4:4.

For followers of Christ, God works with the evil that exists in the world to work His will in our lives. Many times it is difficult for us to see God's purposes. Remembering Psalms 103:19 can be very important to you. "The LORD has established his throne in heaven; his kingdom extends over everything." Aways know that God is sovereign. He is God. We are His creations. As His creatures, trust Him for He is good and in everything give thanks.

Prayer:

Father, we don't always understand the things that happen to us in this life. We question you and ask why. Forgive us when we forget your sovereignty, when we forget that we are Your creation and that You love us. Strengthen us to endure the trials of life, for Your purposes are good and Your love for us endures. In the name of Christ Jesus, amen.