In Everything Give Thanks

 In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

A question that readily disturbs us now in this dispensation is this: “What is the will of God” This bothers both the secular world (though they might not admit to believing there is a God) and the religious world alike. Things seem to be getting worse but not better. Is it the will of God those things go on like this, or will there be a change?

Bless God, that as followers of Christ, we are not in the dark about the will of God, but it has been shown to us through Jesus Christ the Light of the world (John 1:3). Apostle Paul through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit writes: “in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Here the will of God is stated in the simplest form, and it is to give thanks in everything. Is not it amazing that the things of God are simple and it requires is a simple mind to grasp it (Matthew 11:25)?

How is it possible to give thanks for everything? With all that is going on in the world? One of the answers is in the previous verses of this text: “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing.” Yes, take it to God in prayer. Prayer is communicating/having a conversation with God. Most times, we get discouraged by everything going on because we only see it from the world’s point of view. When we take everything to God in prayer, we see it from His point of view, and this leads us to thanksgiving because we know that all things work together for the good of those that love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Here is an extract from a hymn to ponder on, emphasis on the lines highlighted in bold:

 What a friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit

O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Another way to give thanks in everything, thereby fulfilling the will of God, is to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, no matter how simple/difficult it may seem (Colossians 3:17). There is the preconceived notion that God is not interested in our daily job aside from the time spent in His presence. Oh, that we will see that it is a lie from the pit of Hell. God is not only interested in our daily job but wants to be a part of it. Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection (c. 1611 – 1691) embodies this truth. He served as a cook in a monastery but enjoyed great peace because he did it as though it was unto the Lord. He was at all times conscious of the presence of God.

Jesus is calling you today to give thanks in everything because that is His will for you. He is inviting you into the place of constant communion to do that, where He can share of view of things with you. My prayer for you today is that you will accept that call, despite whatever difficulty you are or may be going through. Remember He said in His word: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Come unto Him that you may give thanks in everything and fulfill the will of God for you.