1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reads:
"Rejoice always, 17 pray continually,
18 give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
For many, this past year has tested the ability to be thankful more than ever. For some, COVID-19 has been a mere annoyance as regular routines were simply disrupted. For others, it brought with it deep pain and isolation; loss of loved ones, jobs or businesses; depression, mental and emotional instability. Add to this the ongoing election drama and social unrest and we are hard pressed to come to the table this Thanksgiving (especially without our loved ones) with a heart of thankfulness.
So why is it God asks this of us? And what does the Bible tell us about the importance of thankfulness in such trying times?
We need look no further than the Apostles of Jesus Christ: Paul wrote many of the letters found in the New Testament from prison, all with offerings of grace and peace. James wrote about perseverance and patience in suffering. John wrote especially of God’s great love, and emphasized fear as the opposition of that love.
These men and many like them suffered greatly during their lives in order to bring the Gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ to the people. Why? How? What did they know that we often forget? We find our answers within the verse of which we sometimes struggle.
For Paul, the answer was “rejoice always, pray continually” He writes in his letter to the church at Philippi:
"Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." (Philippians 1:12-15,18)
Then, in his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul stresses our need for prayer:
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." (Ephesians 6:18-20)
For James, the answer was understanding, accepting, and yes, even being thankful for trials and tribulations. He writes in his letter to all the Jews scattered around the world:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James1:2-4)
As for John, I think he understood the nature and will of God better than anyone. In 1 John, chapter 4, he uses the word love twenty-seven times! Twice (in verses 8 and 16), he simply writes, “God is love.”
Maybe that is why John was chosen to receive the Revelation from Jesus Christ, because no matter what he was shown; no matter how over-whelming, how complex, how profound or how frightening; John would be able to keep it in the perspective of God’s love for His beloved children. John understood God’s desire to see us live peacefully, fearlessly and joyfully in His love.
This does not mean avoiding trials and tribulations this side of Heaven, nor does it mean we won’t feel disappointment, sadness and pain. We can, however, trust God to remain faithfully beside us through it all. We have His word:
God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”
(Hebrews 13:5b)
Through rejoicing in our blessings, in continuous prayer, and by the promises of God found in His word; we can live in peace regardless of the chaos surrounding us, and even in our own lives. Isn’t that enough reason to give thanks to God this Thanksgiving and always?!
I close with the words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Photo Credit: Philip Steury (istock)
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