1^st Thessalonians 5:18

give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Oh yeah, right? Easier said than done.  God expects me to be grateful for the misfortunes, the tragedies,  the hurts?  For me personally, I’m supposed to be thankful for my brain tumors, the complications, the pain?

That’s a little hard to do. God doesn’t really expect me to do that, does He?

Mmm, but the above verse does say give thanks in all circumstances?

To answer the question, no I don’t think God expects me to be happy I have brain tumors, but I think He doesn’t expect me to forget all the blessings He has done for me in the past, is doing for me in the present, and will do for me in the future.

Little words can make a huge difference in meanings. Notice the verse doesn’t say give thanks FOR all circumstances, but rather IN all circumstances. And I think that’s what God wants.

When we focus on the negatives in our life, we end up with blinders on. Not being able to see or to enjoy the blessings we have in spite of our circumstances.

I’m not saying it’s easy to be thankful when life gets tough, it’s not!

But keeping a thankful attitude will keep you in God’s peace and joy. Biblical experts believe Paul wrote the above verse when he was in prison.  I take comfort in knowing that fact. If Paul could do, then I can certainly make an attempt at being thankful in all circumstances, too.

I think praising God and be thankful in all circumstances go hand in hand. It’s a little hard not to be thankful when you’re praising God and it’s hard not to praise God when you’re thankful.

So, if you feel a pity party coming on and who doesn’t when life gets difficult, then put on your favorite praise music and sing of God’s great love.