“[I]n everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV)

Do you want to do God’s will? Here is some low-hanging fruit (so to speak) – a verse that expressly tells you what God’s will is for you. That verse instructs you to give thanks in everything. The phrase in everythingencompasses . . .well . . . everything.

Remember: giving thanks in everything doesn’t necessarily mean that the circumstances are good. We can still be thankful to God in the circumstances when we’re not thankful for what’s happening. Even in a trial, God wants us to be grateful for the amazing things He’s already done in our lives.

For example:

• If you just bought the new shoes you’ve been wanting – give thanks.
• If you aren’t able to afford to buy those shoes – give thanks.
• If you got a raise at work – give thanks.
• If you were laid off from your job – give thanks.
• If your kids are following the Lord – give thanks.
• If your kids are doing their own thing – give thanks.
• If your husband kissed you as he left for work this morning – give thanks.
• If you’re single but wish you were married – give thanks.
• If your annual checkup showed that you’re healthy – give thanks.
• If you received a difficult diagnosis – give thanks.
• No matter what you’re going through – give thanks.

I know it may seem counterintuitive at first. But no matter what’s going on in our lives,  there is always something to thank God for. Why? For one, God doesn’t change. He is always good, mighty, righteous, holy, powerful, able, beautiful, and faithful – to name just a few of His qualities.

Not only is our God awesome, but there’s a reason He allows the trials in our lives: to refine us and to make us more and more like Jesus.

So, this Thanksgiving, meditate on who God is and how He has been faithful in your life. If you’re having trouble thinking of anything, check out the devotional called 20 Reasons to Be Thankful. Journal about how those things apply to your life. Then give thanks to God as you walk by faith with Him.

Photo by Timothee Cordier on Unsplash