It’s easy to be thankful when everything goes well. Paul asks for more than that:
Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (BSB)
Paul doesn’t say to give thanks for every circumstance. Some things that happen to us are not good, and God doesn’t ask us to pretend they are. He asks us to give thanks in every circumstance, because even on the worst day some things are still true: God is still good, His love still endures and He is still with us.
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.
Psalm 107:1 (BSB)
Gratitude also changes what we notice. A grumbling heart sees what’s missing. A thankful heart starts to see what God has given: a meal, a friend’s text, a sunrise, the breath in our lungs. None of it is owed to us. All of it is a gift.
Try this for a week
Every night before bed, write down three specific things you’re thankful for from that day. Not “my family,” but “the way my daughter laughed at dinner.” Thank God for each one. By the end of the week you’ll start noticing gifts during the day, not just at night.
Reflect
- What’s one hard situation you’re in right now? What is still true about God in the middle of it?
- Who is someone you’re thankful for but haven’t told? Could you tell them this week?
Pray
Father, every good gift comes from You. Forgive me for grumbling about what I don’t have. Open my eyes to what You’ve given me today, and teach me to give thanks in every circumstance. Amen.
Keep going
- Read Luke 17:11–19, the story of the one man who came back to thank Jesus.
- Grow in prayer and thanksgiving with our Prayer Resources.
Questions about gratitude
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul says to give thanks in every circumstance, not for every circumstance. Some things that happen to us aren’t good, and God doesn’t ask us to pretend they are. But even on the worst day, some things are still true: God is still good, His love still endures and He is still with us.
Start with “Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever” (Psalm 107:1). Then read Luke 17:11-19, the story of the one healed man who came back to thank Jesus.
Try this for a week: every night before bed, write down three specific things you’re thankful for from that day, then thank God for each one. Be specific, like “the way my daughter laughed at dinner,” not just “my family.” By the end of the week you’ll start noticing gifts during the day, not just at night.
Gratitude changes what we notice. A grumbling heart sees what’s missing. A thankful heart starts to see what God has given: a meal, a friend’s text, a sunrise, the breath in our lungs. None of it is owed to us. All of it is a gift, and thanking God for it is how we respond.
We’d love to see you on Sunday. Clarity Church meets Sundays at 10am at Edinbrook Elementary in Brooklyn Park. Come as you are.