1 Thessalonians 5:18 11/27/2018*

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

In this age of drama and self-centeredness, as the world falls to the ground in the fetal position when they don’t get their way --- is the church any different?

We Christians have become very good at righteous indignation but seem to have forgotten thankfulness and contentment.  We have drifted away from optimism and appreciation and moved toward being critical and pessimistic.

So, here’s the problem with that – this verse emphatically says it is God’s will that we be thankful…not dramatic…not incensed…not offended…but thankful. - If you asked ten people to describe the church in one word, how many do you suppose would say “thankful”?

We often say we are searching for the “will of God” as we face certain circumstances …this says it is God’s will for you be thankful in “all” circumstances …search is over.

OK, so how do I do that?  When things go opposite of what I want…do I just paste an ignorant smile on my face and say thank you? Am I, as a Christian, supposed to appear unaware of what is happening?... of course not.

Your thankfulness is a byproduct of being informed of the truth not being ignorant of it. You are thankful because you know something the world doesn’t know.

The key is the last three words in the verse… “in Christ Jesus”. These three words change everything.  Because of Christ Jesus and what He did on the cross… you are assured of two truths: 

 1.   He has demonstrated He is powerful enough to deliver you.
2.  He has proven He loves you, and how far he will go to redeem you.

“In Christ Jesus” gives you a concrete reason for thankfulness and confidence in all circumstances.

No matter what you face today, God is not pacing the floor… He has not lost control, and He will work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

That is a non-negotiable promise, and that is something to be grateful for….

Take a breath…be thankful, it will make people wonder what you know, that they don’t… And when they ask you, be prepared to tell them. It may be that your circumstance will be used to bring one more soul to Heaven.

“If there was ever a secret for unleashing God’s powerful peace in a situation, it’s developing a heart of true thanksgiving.”
 –Lysa Terkeurst