16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
This is the end of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians. It was a letter of encouragement to them, as they had received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7). They were a sounding gong to all around them. Paul even goes as far as to say that he and his companions didn’t need to speak a Word because they (the Church in Thessalonica) had already spread the Word so well. So, he just reminds them of the teachings he has already taught them and ends his letter with encouragement to continue in the faith.
This is where he states his famous words “give thanks in all circumstances” a phrase often taken out of context and/or misunderstood. See, Paul encouraged them with these words not because God’s will was for them to suffer, but because they were suffering persecution and God’s will was (and always will be) for His people to overcome the persecution and tribulation of the world. The tools he gave them to do this? Rejoice Always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances.
We are to give thanks IN all circumstances, not FOR all circumstances. It’s our weapon for overcoming. It’s our tool to make it through to the other side of persecution. Thanksgiving is how we enter into the gates of the LORD (Psalms 100:4). Entering the gates of the LORD is how we get renewed in our spirit. It’s how we are refreshed. It’s how we soar on wings like eagles, so that we can run and not be weary, walk and not be faint.
Giving thanks in all circumstances isn’t for God, but for us. It isn’t a cruel instruction by Paul from God. It’s a tool given to us to not only survive this world and all of its woes, but a tool to overcome this world and live a life more abundantly, regardless of our circumstances. Regardless of what may come. Our joy will never be stifled as long as we give thanks.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Be Thankful Like A Thessalonian.