“Give thanks for everything?”
In every thing give thanks. —1 Thessalonians 5:18
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
Can we give thanks for everything? What about when you fail your test, when you are ill, when a good friendship disintegrates, or you must stand at the grave of a dear loved one?
The Apostle Paul wrote these words, but we must read them care-fully. He does not say give thanks for everything, but in everything. In every circumstance there is reason to thank God. Paul knew of oppression and setbacks, but he also clearly experienced that the Lord was with him in all his sorrows. Paul could say that nothing would separate him from the love of God “which is in Christ Jesus” (Rom.8:39).
The Lord Jesus knew what it meant to be a human being in this broken world. He knows how greatly His people suffer, and therefore He is willing to help us in our need (Heb.4:15). Go without hesitation to the throne of God’s grace (Heb.4:16) and pray “without ceasing” (1Thess.5:17). If we pray continually, then we will also have much reason to give thanks. God hears our prayers and will answer them in a way that is profitable for us. His way is the best way, and therefore we have reason to give thanks in everything.
What is the difference between giving thanks for everything and in everything?