Thank for Everything! (by Ed Allen)

Thank for Everything! (by Ed Allen)
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Thessalonians 5:18 “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” !

(Observation) In view of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, Paul tells the Thessalonians to encourage and build one another up and gives a series of commands while they wait. In the midst is verse 18 saying “in everything give thanks.” !

(Interpretation) If we are to give thanks “in everything,” then it follows that there is no circumstance in which we are not to give thanks. I submit to you that thanksgiving in the midst of worldly trouble is only possible if our hope is in the eternal provision of God through Jesus Christ. It is in view of the promised return of Jesus and eternity with Him, that this command is given. It is because of this hope that we trust that the circumstances, even troubles, in which we find ourselves, are in our best interest. Also because of this hope, we are able look upon current circumstances and trouble as being small in comparison to the life to come. Paul ends his letter saying in verse 28 “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” It is by His grace that we have this hope in Him. It is also by His grace that we can “in everything give thanks.” !

(Cross-reference) Ephesians 5:20 “always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;”  21 “and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.” !

Philippians 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” 7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” !

Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” !

(Application) As I experience the various trials of life in a chaotic world, I should remind myself that except for “His grace” I would have no hope of eternal life. Yes, I am thankful. Help me God to maintain an attitude of thankfulness “in everything.” !

What do you think?  Is giving thanks to God, even for circumstances not to our liking, a command?