“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:18

Do you find your thankfulness fluctuates based on circumstances?  There’s an ease to thankfulness when relationships are in harmony, health and wealth are overflowing and hilltop moments are a regular occurrence. However, during dark valleys when marriage is at a low point, kids are wandering away from the faith, overdue notices are coming in the mail or your health is failing maintaining a thankful attitude is a challenge. Human tendency is to waver between gratefulness and grumbling based on circumstances but yo-yo thankfulness isn’t God’s will for our lives.

In Paul’s final advice to the Thessalonians, he reminds us there is a better way than yo-yo thankfulness. One that improves the quality of our lives, reduces stress levels, and fosters happy feelings, hope, and resilience. But more importantly, it’s God’s will for all in Christ (I Thes 5:18, Ephesians 5:20). It’s an attitude of gratitude. An overarching thankfulness that stretches beyond the situation at hand. Don’t be confused…it’s not being thankful for everything but that in everything there is something to be thankful for. During the darkest of days, thankfulness can feel impossible but thankfulness doesn’t have to fluctuate. It can persist through the hills and valleys of life.

When thankfulness is a challenge here are three things Christians can always be grateful for– (1) God’s continual presence in one’s life no matter what (2) anticipation of God answering prayer knowing His answers are always perfect, right and good (3) salvation and sanctification through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

REFLECT

Is your thankfulness like a yo-yo going up and down based on life’s circumstances?

What is one thing you can do to incorporate thankfulness into every day of your life regardless of what’s happening?

Many Blessings,

JJ Gutierrez

Average Christian Gal Who Loves Jesus & the Bible