Thanksgiving, by definition, is an expression of gratitude, especially for the blessings we receive and the prayers that are answered, which lead us to give thanks and praise to the Lord.
Of course, it’s easy to give thanks when things are going well, when life is smooth, and when things align with what we want or with our prayers. But what about when it’s the opposite? What if things don’t go as we expect? What if things go against what we wanted?
The Word of God says, "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is
the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
In this letter, written by the Apostle Paul to the Thessalonian believers, he provides practical instructions and encouragement for their Christian walk. The way he says, “Give thanks in all circumstances,” is not a suggestion but a clear command. This is an imperative in the Christian life—a duty, a command that we need to follow.
He didn’t say, "We should give thanks," or "As much as possible, try to give thanks." Instead, He said, "Give thanks." Give thanks in all circumstances, which includes giving thanks for both good and bad things, and everything in between: happy moments, sad moments, life’s hardships—whether in abundance or in scarcity and everything else. As Christians, we are called to give thanks. But how can we do that when things are not going well?
If you are a student, what if the dreams you’ve been working and praying for never materialize? As a young professional or working adult, what if you lost your job, were suddenly laid off, or the promotion you were expecting went to someone else? If you are a parent, what if you face huge problems, or something bad happens to your family or children? What if you, dear reader, face hardships, scarcity, or anything else that makes life difficult?
Well, let us note that the Apostle Paul didn’t say to give thanks for all
circumstances, but in all circumstances. We are not to thank God by saying,
"Lord, thank You for letting me fail my exam," or "Lord, thank
You for letting me lose my job." We don’t say things like that. As human
beings, we acknowledge the sadness and hardship in our lives. We don’t dismiss
or belittle the pain and struggles we face. We recognize them. But what the
Apostle Paul is saying is that, "in spite of that... despite all those
things... despite those struggles," we should still give thanks.
For what should we be thankful? That God is sovereign. That
despite those bad things happening, He is there to provide for our needs. That
the things we consider bad—whether personal problems or conflicts—can help
refine and shape our characters.
As it says in Romans 5:3-4, "…but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing
that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and
character produces hope." Most importantly, we thank the Lord for first
forgiving us, so that we too can forgive others. The question here is, how do
we extend God’s grace to others? How do we practice thankfulness, and how do we
respond when we are going through difficult times?
I’ve listed three things here to help cultivate thankfulness in all
circumstances, at all times:
1) SEEK. Seek the Lord and His Kingdom.
Matthew 6:33 says, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Our focus
should be on seeking God’s kingdom, and He promised to provide for our needs.
So, what is God’s will for us as His children? That we live according to His
Word and grow in holiness—to become like Christ in terms of His character and
actions. Through this, we will cultivate a heart of gratitude, realizing that everything in this world is temporary... and every good thing is truly a gift from God. As we seek God’s kingdom,
we will learn to embrace His will in our pursuits, in our goals, especially for
students and young adults.
As Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans
will be established," and Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the
Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." These are wonderful
promises of God, but it’s important to remember that the Bible’s definition of
"success" is different from the world’s. It is not measured by wealth
or fame, but by fulfilling God’s will in our lives, especially if you profess
to be a Christian. When we truly delight in Him, it means we are surrendering
to His will.
Our desires will align with His will, and whatever happens—whether we face
success or failure, strength or weakness—we can rest in the fact that God’s
will will always prevail, which ultimately leads to thanksgiving for His wisdom
and plans that will never fail.
So, whatever God gives us, we can genuinely give thanks as we submit our
plans and lives to Him and His will. No matter what happens—whether there’s
sadness, failure, or confusion—we know that God is sovereign and in control of
everything. So, let’s not be anxious if things don’t go according to our plans.
Let us remember that the Lord reigns over this world and give thanks always
because He has promised to provide for us.
2) CALL. Call upon the Lord.
Another way to cultivate thankfulness is to call upon the Lord. In verse 17 of 1 Thessalonians 5, it says, "Pray without ceasing." We should pray
and call upon the name of the Lord always—not just to make requests, not just
to thank God for His blessings and provisions, but to thank Him for who He is.
And who is He? Who is the Lord? Jesus Christ—our Savior. Our good God.
Let us thank the Lord for the gospel. Despite our sins, God made a way for
us to be saved, even though we didn’t deserve it. Jesus Christ died to pay for
our sins so that those who believe in Him, repent, and follow Him will be
saved—from what? From eternal damnation. From the wrath of God.
As Romans 6:23 says, "The wages of sin is death.," but because of
the Lord, those of us who believe in His saving work on the cross are given
eternal life with Him, who is and must be the ultimate source of our thankfulness.
That even when challenges or trials come, we know we will never be separated
from Him.
Let the gospel motivate us to give thanks in every circumstance, for this is
God’s will for us. As we call upon the Lord, let us also remember that our
prayers do not change God’s will. So whenever we pray, our prayers should align
with His will.
As 1 John 5:14 says, "This is the confidence we have toward Him, that
if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." Again, it says
"...according to His will." So whenever we feel that our prayers are not
being answered, we can trust God for a better plan.
3) TRUST. Trust in the Lord.
Trust in the Lord who knows what is best for us. God is pleased with our
thankfulness because it is His will for us. In all circumstances, including
those we don’t understand, trust that He will be with us.
Let us trust in Him, and let our focus be on God and His character: He is
good, He loves us, He is faithful, merciful, all-knowing... and so many other good things. And of course, let us remember His promises that He will never leave us
and He will provide for our needs.
As Philippians 4:19 says, "God will supply all our needs according to
His riches," which is ultimately for His glory. As we trust in the Lord,
we can be confident that "everything works together for good", just as Romans 8:28 says. We don’t give thanks because life is always easy or light, because
we know it’s not. But we give thanks because we know that God is always good.
Let us continue to trust in the Lord and rejoice always, as we are commanded
in 1 Thessalonians 5:16, "Rejoice always," and give thanks (v.18). As
we rejoice in the Lord, we will see that He is the ultimate source of our
joy—not our circumstances. As believers, we have all the reasons to give thanks
because we are in the Lord.
Let us hold fast to His Word, to His promises for us, His children who believe in Him.
