Always thankful

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (KJV)

What does this mean?

Paul is closing his first letter to the young church in Thessalonica, a church facing pressure and hardship. He gives them three short commands: keep rejoicing, keep praying, and keep giving thanks, in everything. He adds that this is God's will for them in Christ Jesus, which means thankfulness is not a mood for good days only, but a way of life in every season.

What does this teach us?

Thankfulness is a habit, not a feeling. Paul does not say to give thanks for every bad thing that happens, Christians understand 'in everything' to mean giving thanks in every situation, not necessarily for the suffering itself, but he does say gratitude belongs in every season, good and hard alike.

How can we apply this?

Start a small daily habit: before you sleep, name three things you are thankful for, one from today, one person, and one thing about God. On hard days the list will be short and honest, and that is enough; the habit is what matters.

Related KJV passages

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”
Philippians 4:4
“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;”
Colossians 4:2
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”
Ephesians 5:20

Reflection

What three things can you thank God for today, one from today, one person, and one thing about God?

Prayer

Father, I forget to thank you when life is hard. Teach me to rejoice, to pray, and to give thanks in every season, and help me to start tonight with three small thanksgivings. Amen.