Paul writes that we are to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). He tells us it’s God’s will that as God’s children we’re to be truly thankful.

The focus of our thankfulness is God. As we focus our attention on God, we are reminded that He enables us to be thankful in all things. As I focus on God, I know what truly makes my life worth living. It’s my love relationship with Jesus. This relationship can never be taken from me, no matter what the circumstance of life!

I’ve learned I can be thankful in all circumstances because the circumstances of life do not determine the quality of my life — for “my life” as Paul put it in Colossians 3:3 “is hidden with Christ in God.”

The faith of our thankfulness is “in all circumstances.” Note that Paul does not say, “for all circumstances.”

Being thankful is found in the nature of our God.

Our reason for being thankful is not found in the nature of our circumstances but our being thankful is found in the nature of our God. You see, knowing God’s basic nature is that He is good, loving and caring should encourage us even in times of great difficulty and distress.

Some sing the Doxology and think they have given thanks to the Lord. God, however, is calling us to be genuinely thankful from our hearts for His blessings in our lives. God has done so much for us that we could never repay Him. The least we can do is to bow our heads before Him and be thankful for His gracious gifts. After all, it’s His will for every Christian.

Thankfulness is the opposite of complaining. The Israelites had more to be thankful for than any people of their time, yet they were guilty of doing the most complaining. For 40 years they wandered around the desert, griping and complaining about what they were having to go through, when all the while they were there through their own doings (Numbers 13-14). You might not be happy about your situation but at least be thankful that there is a good God who loves you and cares for you!

It’s been said, “Don’t grumble if you don’t have what you want; be thankful you don’t get what you deserve.” I can be thankful in all circumstances because I believe that no matter what the circumstance, God will use it for my greatest good.

Paul tells us quite clearly that if we would walk in the will of God, we should live thankful lives. This is God’s will for us because He wants His children to know the abundant life Jesus died to give us.

Believers who aren’t thankful are a farce, but those who are thankful are a force to be reckoned with!