I struggled to be thankful amidst the brokenness around me…
I struggle with being thankful for all circumstances. Anyone else??
Why would God put such a decree before us??
My head knows that persevering through hardships builds faith, character, and wisdom. But my heart cries for my friend with cancer, my friend betrayed by a business associate, and family members struggling financially.
Really? How am I supposed to be thankful for disease? For betrayals? Lost wages?
All of my decades of life, I have labored through these prayers of “thanksgiving.”
Then everything changed!!
In last month’s Bible Study on 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24, I was confronted once again with that verse that I wrestle so frequently. The “give thanks in all circumstances” verse (1 Thessalonians 5:18) is nestled in the middle of that passage.
A beautiful woman of God, Mechteld, began to share about the treasure of verse 18. Inwardly, I groaned. I don’t like that verse. It grates on my “fairness” nerve. But it was as if the Lord was speaking directly to me.
With her finger pointing to the words, Mechteld read verse 18 again s l o w l y. “Give thanks in all circumstances.” She noted that the Lord does not say to thank God FOR all circumstances but to thank Him IN all circumstances. Oh my goodness!!
IN … not FOR!!
Wow! I’ve read that verse sooooo many times but apparently never paid attention to the little “in” preposition!
True: Disease and natural disaster do exist in our broken world.
True: We do make our own bad choices.
True: We do grow in our hardships.
Also true: I am NOT called to give thanks for the brokenness!
Verse 18 tells us to maintain an attitude of gratefulness even in the midst of struggle. It is surrounded by verses calling us to pray, to care for one another, and to hold on to what is good. God is truly present amidst the trials.
In these hardships, the fruit of the Spirit are demonstrated in us and in those around us. Amazing beauty exudes from the mature believer who is loving, joyful, kind and patient in the center of a storm. It is the utmost testimony to the Truth of our faith.
I am so humbled by believers who truly get this verse! It’s taken me a few decades but I finally have overcome my own misunderstanding. I’m done wrestling 1 Thes 5:18. Even I can be thankful IN all circumstances.
Question: Anyone else struggle with giving thanks?
My favorite memory of being thankful is from Cory Ten Boom in the movie, The Hiding Place, where she prayed for the fleas in the concentration camp. Later, it was discovered that, because of the fleas, the guards refused to enter her cabin. Because the guards did not come around, they could hold Bible studies in the cabin and keep people’s spirits up–a life saving outcome.
Wow! That is incredible gratitude! Thanks for sharing Cory Ten Boom’s story, Steve. I’m in awe of God’s work and care for each of us!
This is a great post, thank you for sharing. The kids and I just started a grateful journal last night :0)
Hi Jen! Gotta love God’s timing!! :-) Keep me posted on your grateful-journal journey. I look forward to hearing how the Lord reveal’s Himself as you all pause to praise Him!
Ephesians 5:20 says to give thanks for everything. It is part of trusting God to do what is best, even though it may not be a happy circumstance. Thanking for and being thankful in (through) are part of our trusting God to work things out to His glory and for good. (Romans 8:28) They all go hand in hand.
Yes! I have definitely seen how God is glorified in all circumstances…including the most difficult to the very wonderful. In the midst of the hard times, I am especially trying to stay focused on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). In the brokenness, faith also grows. I am so thankful for the lessons gained in the hard times.
Thanks for your addition to the conversation, Lou Ann! I love your blog, In The Way, and look forward to more of your writing!