"Give thanks in every situation because this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Sometimes the Bible is very clear on what it says. The verse quoted above is an example of this. It plainly says that it is God's will that we give thanks in every situation. Sometimes it's hard to figure out what God's will is. This is not the case when it comes to being thankful.

Now it's easy to want to alter this verse just a bit. We might prefer that it says, "Give thanks in some circumstances". Like when things are going well." However, we're not much of a person if we aren't even grateful when life is good to us. Or, we might change the verse to say, "Give thanks in most situations." It's admirable to be grateful most of the time.

But 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says we are to give thanks in every situation. Every situation. Why is that so important?

For one thing, most of us don't like to be around people who aren't very thankful. They are complaining all the time, or they fall into self-pity mode whenever they go through difficult times. It's much more pleasant to be around people who can be positive and appreciative even when bad things are happening to them.

But there's even a deeper reason why we should be thankful in every situation. For followers of Jesus, for people of faith, maintaining an attitude of gratitude even in the hurting times shows that we trust in God. God is the Rock on which we stand. Even though we are in pain or distress, even though often we can't see anything good coming out of our troubles, we can trust that God is with us, and God is working out His long term, eternal, purposes in our life.

As a counselor, I realize that it's beneficial to own our pain and acknowledge our feelings of fear, doubt, hopelessness. But it's so important not to get stuck there. Own the pain, then move on to gratitude.

Some of us this Thanksgiving may be going through a difficult time. This Thanksgiving season isn't the best. In spite of that, can we be thankful. This is what God wants us to do. Be thankful for the blessings that we do have. Be thankful that whatever may happen, God is with us. When we trust in Him and rely on Him, we don't have to be afraid.

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Pastor Harry