Give thanks in all circumstances.
—1 Thessalonians 5:18
Paul’s injunction to “give thanks in all circumstances” is met with a great deal of spiritual indigestion. How in the world can we do that?
Note the preposition: give thanks “in” all circumstances, not “for” all circumstances.
As I write these words, some of us are praying for a dear lady who is undergoing risky emergency surgery with an ominous prognosis. We aren’t giving thanks “for” that circumstance. But even “in” it we give thanks for the knowledge and skill of the medical team and for a supportive church family that is encouraging our friend and her loved ones during this dark time.
Here is a sentence that repeatedly finds voice in your Bible: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (1 Chr 16:34; Ps 106:1; 107:1; 118:1; 136:1; Jer 33:11).
God is good. All the time.