November 7, 2023: Thank God No Matter What Happens

"…thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live."
(1 Thessalonians 5:18, The Message Bible)

Give thanks in all circumstances. There are no "exception clauses" regarding when we are to give thanks. We are to give thanks "in everything'". The words "in everything, in all circumstances, no matter what happens" come from one little Greek word: 'ALL.' It is all-inclusive. We are to give thanks "in everything". This leads to our big question: Why should I give thanks in all things? Answer: Because it is the will of God. It is what He desires of us.
 
God is not asking us to give thanks for all things. He is asking us to give thanks in all things. There is a big difference between the two. Now, the question is: "How can we give thanks when bad things happen?" First, we resolve to do God's will, which is to be thankful in all circumstances. Second, we look for the grace of God that He extends to all of us: His ability in us to do what we can't do in and of ourselves. Third, when you find grace, you have found God, and God is enough!
 
When bad things happen to us, giving thanks to God is our way of escape! Paul and Silas praised God while in prison with their backs bleeding. Somehow, they found grace, and when they found grace, they became joyful in their circumstances.