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- Oct 26, 2007
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Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Yes, Paul actually is saying to thank God no matter what circumstance you find yourself in. You are to have a thankful attitude and to give audible thanks even when you're having a terrible day. It's God's will for you.
Can you trust Him on this one? Does God really expect this of you? Yes. Jesus tells you to count yourself blessed when persecuted. He said, "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven" (Luke 6:22-24 NKJV). After being beaten for Jesus' sake, the apostles "departed…rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name" (Acts 5:41 NKJV). And Paul and Silas sang praises to God after being beaten (Acts 16:22-25).
This may be shaping up to be on one your least favorite commandments, but give it a chance. God advises it for your own good. If you're consistently thankful, even in serious troubles,
(a) you'll have a much happier life overall;
(b) you'll make it through rough times easier; and
(c) you really will be greatly rewarded in heaven.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for my troubles, my persecutions, the injustices, and even for the pain. Help me to continually have a thankful attitude.
Yes, Paul actually is saying to thank God no matter what circumstance you find yourself in. You are to have a thankful attitude and to give audible thanks even when you're having a terrible day. It's God's will for you.
Can you trust Him on this one? Does God really expect this of you? Yes. Jesus tells you to count yourself blessed when persecuted. He said, "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven" (Luke 6:22-24 NKJV). After being beaten for Jesus' sake, the apostles "departed…rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name" (Acts 5:41 NKJV). And Paul and Silas sang praises to God after being beaten (Acts 16:22-25).
This may be shaping up to be on one your least favorite commandments, but give it a chance. God advises it for your own good. If you're consistently thankful, even in serious troubles,
(a) you'll have a much happier life overall;
(b) you'll make it through rough times easier; and
(c) you really will be greatly rewarded in heaven.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for my troubles, my persecutions, the injustices, and even for the pain. Help me to continually have a thankful attitude.
