Devotion:
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:15-19.
Wow! There is a lot of solid guidance in these few verses. There is even more in the verses just before and after these. (Verses 12-22 is the larger section of these instructions.) Related to our focus for this week, our focus phrase from this passage is “...give thanks in all circumstances…” Is it possible to do that? Surely there are painful situations and experiences in our lives in which it would be extremely hard to give thanks.
I believe it is possible to have this commitment to gratitude, no matter what happens in life, but only if we are not depending on ourselves for it. For me, the key to this particular instruction is found in the verses just before and after that phrase. The verse before simply says “pray continually” and the verse after it reads “Do not quench the Spirit.” If we are keeping this conversation with the Holy Spirit going all the time, there will be this power beyond us who will give us all we need to give thanks or do anything we are led to do, no matter the circumstances.
Certainly, this is not the first time the Scriptures have given us a tough assignment. (“Love your enemies” comes quickly to mind!) But God has never given anyone an assignment without also providing the resources and power to do it. Yes, it is almost unbelievable to even consider, but with the Holy Spirit’s presence and power, you can even learn to “give thanks in all circumstances”!
Personal Worship Option:
Think about one of the most difficult times in your life. As you now look back on it, is there something about what happened for which God helps you give thanks?
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