Scripture: 1st Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you…
Thought for the Day: That’s easy for you to say! Well actually, probably not. The Apostle Paul was on the road, facing constant persecution, being vilified by many, and all along, figuring that he would meet the same fate as Jesus. With Paul’s claim of giving ‘thanks in all circumstances,’ many people might wonder exactly how Paul could say such a thing. I think people get hung up in thinking that Paul is giving thanks to God for his difficulty. I could see how some might think that, but such thinking is far from Paul’s intention. We are to give thanks to our God who does not cause suffering or disease, but is the One who stands with us amidst such problems. God is not the source of hate or violence, brokenness or pain. Instead, God is the source of love and hope. When I think of it in those terms, it is much easier to allow words of gratitude to slip from my lips even when life is rough.
Prayer: I give you thanks, O Lord, for you are the One who is worthy of my gratitude. Amen.
LAST SUNDAY
For Sermon Series On Gratitude
AND THEN ADVENT
