Thankful in all circumstances …

I wonder if it would be possible for anyone to tally how many scriptures from the Bible are misquoted and subsequently misunderstood, but we could add 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to that list.

What many people often think they hear from that verse is, “Be thankful for every circumstance …” but that’s not what that verse states. Read the verse closely for yourself:

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

When we read it correctly, it really is not that hard to understand. Let’s approach it with a question: How can we be thankful IN —- not FOR but IN —- all circumstances? Because circumstances aren’t entirely good, or entirely bad, even though at times they may feel that way.

The circumstances of our lives are more like that proverbial glass of water we argue about being either half full or half empty when it happens to be both at the same time! The reality of life is that evil exists and the destructive impact of sin is real, BUT at the same time, God’s sovereignty, grace, and love are greater.

Sometimes, circumstances are overwhelmingly harsh, but even then there are still elements of the goodness of God that can be seen.

Other times, circumstances are overwhelmingly comfortable (which is most of the time for many Americans), even though evil and sin still persist.

God’s will for us is to live our lives in such a way that we always remain aware of what there is to be thankful for at any given time, and be consistently offering up that thanksgiving to Him.

This reminds me of a story told by Ray Stedman in his book, “Folk Psalms of Faith,” about a well-known pastor of last century, H.A. Ironside, and an experience he had in a crowded restaurant. Just as Ironside was about to begin his meal, a man approached and asked if he could join him. Ironside invited the man to have a seat. Then, as was his custom, Ironside bowed his head in prayer. When he opened his eyes, the other man asked, “Do you have a headache?”

Ironside replied, “No, I don’t.”

The other man asked, “Well, is there something wrong with your food?”

Ironside replied, “No, I was simply thanking God as I always do before I eat.”

The man said, “Oh, you’re one of those, are you? Well, I want you to know I never give thanks. I earn my money by the sweat of my brow and I don’t have to give thanks to anybody when I eat. I just start right in!”

Ironside said, “Yes, you’re just like my dog. That’s what he does too!”

That’s how many live, without an awareness of what there is to be thankful for.

God doesn’t want us to live like dogs, but instead to nurture lives where in all circumstances, we are thankful people.

This has a been a tough year for many all around the world. But before you dig into your Thanksgiving feast, remember even in these circumstances each of us have much to be thankful to God for.

Scotty