Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
It was December 1944, and the world was at war. The D-Day invasion at Normandy had occurred just months before, which some believe was the turning point in the European theater of the conflict. On December 16, the Nazis launched the counter-engagement Ardennes Offensive, known as the Battle of the Bulge. The U.S. Army states, “In terms of participation and losses, the Battle of the Bulge is arguably the greatest battle in American military history.” Meanwhile, back in the United States, ever so weary of war, people sought out whatever they could to be happy. One song released that month by Bing Crosby asked, “Would you like to swing on a star, carry moonbeams home in a jar, and be better off than you are?” concluding, “You see, it’s all up to you.”
There are many keys to happiness in the Bible. In most, joy shows up after you have done something. “Rejoice, be patient, and pray” (Romans 12:12), “delight yourself in the Lord” (Psalm 37:4) “trust and don’t be afraid” (Isaiah 12:2). As you engage in these actions and attitudes, you receive calmness of spirit that allows happiness to spring forth. Today’s verse is an important foundation, “Give thanks in all circumstances.”
Ruth Bell Graham says, “We can’t always give thanks FOR everything, but we can always give thanks IN everything.” King David knew this quite well, stating, “I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1). The Apostle Paul gives you the reason in today’s verse, “For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Theologian John Piper says, “Thankfulness is a sign of faith, evidence that we really see His grace and feel its effects. That’s what He wants for us.”
You may never swing on a star, but giving thanks in every circumstance will remind you that God is still in control and your continual reliance is upon Him. Pastor, teacher, and author Rob Morgan says, “It is God’s will for us to give thanks in every circumstance in life, because God is turning every circumstance in life to our good and using them to fulfill His will for us.”
Today’s Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:18
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 34:1-8
I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
