Can We Really Give Thanks in All Circumstances?
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Thessalonians 5:16-18
Gratitude feels difficult when life is challenging. We may pray, praise, or smile less on the daily. Navigating our personal lives, professional careers, and political currents can take a toll on our general optimism and muffle our thanksgiving.
Scripture instructs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Yet, is it realistic to “give thanks in all circumstances?” It may seem impossible, but in this blog we’ll explore why this is helpful, Godly advice for hard times.
Imagine how Joshua felt after losing his mentor, Moses, on the brink of entering the Promised Land. The Israelites had endured an entire generation’s worth of turbulent times in the wilderness, and now their lives were about to change drastically again. The Lord is blunt with Joshua, laying out clear instructions for crossing over the Jordan in the first chapter and ending with the very popular command;
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
As the book continues it’s apparent that Joshua followed this instruction, and the Lord stayed true to His word. Joshua’s journey to the Promised Land had many trials and chaotic moments. However, his constant praise and obedience to God’s instruction kept him in divine alignment ultimately ushering the Israelites to the land of milk and honey. When meditating on this book, it’s evident that we as believers must find joy in the journey–no matter how it looks. This isn’t to say we should gaslight ourselves in hard times, but rather find reasons to stay grateful and full of worship even in turmoil. Similar to the Israelites worshiping around the walls of Jericho; we must wield worship as warfare when times get tough. According to an article in The Christian Citizen,
“Worship can be a source of grounding and a way to remind ourselves of who we truly are, as individuals, as part of a larger group, and as beings made by God. Worship can reduce our self-focus as we consider God, creation, and others. Worship can help us to offload guilt, worry and anxiety—resolving it through the assurances of God’s grace.” And even the Bible instructs us to cast our cares unto the Lord in prayer, praise, and worship.
After leading the Israelites to multiple victories via the Lord’s instruction, Joshua famously told the Israelites, “...as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).
So what does it mean to serve the Lord through hard times? It means embracing the highs and lows points of God’s process because, sometimes, the hard times prepare us to better steward times of success.
