Gratitude is not just something that causes joy when things are going well. Gratitude also comes from a surrendered heart to the Almighty’s sovereignty and the intentional declaration that no matter what happens, God is still good.
Years ago, I used to have this irrational fear of being grateful for my cirumstances. I somehow thought that if I let myself appreciate my circumstances that I would be lying to myself about how tough of a spot I’m in and therefore, won’t face things head on, skipping about on my own little disillusioned Cloud Nine. There’s a term for this aversion to feeling a loss of control. It’s called self-preservation. But, praise be to God, that the truth in Scripture has shattered that stronghold. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “BE JOYFUL ALWAYS, Give Thanks in ALL Circumstances. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Now, if you have studied The Bible long enough, you’ll know that when God sees fit to include a statement in a passage more than once that it is extremely important for us to etch into our hearts. In this verse, why did the Apostle Paul repeat the first half? The answer immediately follows in the next statement: “For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. Now that we have been made righteous by our Lord, Jesus Christ, because we are now in Christ, God’s will for us is to be joyful and be thankful in ALL circumstances. And there is great reason for that. Again, because we are in Christ, we now have eternal hope of glory. And that hope lives inside of us via The Holy Spirit. No longer must we be in sorrow and anguish because our lives on this side of Heaven is wrought with turmoil either for a season or for the rest of our earthly lives. Nor do we have to be anxious that anything favorable that happens in our lives will be short lived. We have cause for great joy and gratitude in all circumstances because our lives, even our sufferings have purpose and meaning for the glory of our Lord. We rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances because we are no longer headed towards eternal death, but we are eternally safe in the palm of God’s all mighty hands because of what Jesus has done on the Cross. “And no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:28-30)
Questions to ask yourself:
- Are you afraid of letting go of control over your situation so that you can be free to be grateful for having a God you can trust and be joyful in?
- What would you preach to your own heart about the security you have in Christ so that you can surrender your situation completely to Him?
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for the way that you love me. I am so sorry that I haven’t trusted you as I ought to – forgive me. Help me to turn from my pride and my need to control my circumstances. Lord I surrender all my life and thought-life over to you. I need your wisdom and your peace. As I go through this week please reveal yourself more and more through your Living Word and give me strength. In your name, Jesus, amen.