Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

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I am a bit of a Pollyanna so to “give thanks in all circumstances” might be easier for me than for others. Even still, it is something I have to intentionally choose. One way I do this is through self-talk. It’s really simple. When I notice I’m heading toward ungratefulness, I choose to switch gears with the messages I’m telling myself.  

For example, this is what often happens when I’m mowing my lawn on a hot and humid summer afternoon. “I’m so sweaty. I’m only a quarter of the way through. Why are these gnats dive-bombing my eyeballs?” 

Deep breath and long sigh, “Thank you, Lord, that I have a lovely home and lawn to mow. Thank you, Lord, that my legs, lungs, heart, and muscles are strong and healthy, and that I can do this labor. Thank you, God, I can go into a climate-controlled house when I am done and cool off instantly. Thank you there is clean running water inside my kitchen at the flick of a finger. I am so blessed and honored to be able to mow this lawn. Thank you, Lord, for the abundance of blessings in my life and forgive my selfish, immature grumbling and help me correct it quickly when it comes to mind. Note to self: Buy a bug net hat.”

Yes, this is a simple everyday trouble, but we work our “give thanks in all circumstances” muscle on the little issues so we are prepared to “rejoice always” when we have to lift the heavy weights. I don’t wish to sound trivial because I have also experienced indescribable pain and spoken the words “It is well with my soul” as I watched loved ones die. This is part of the reason I find 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  so freeing! No more wondering if I am in God’s will or what is God’s will for me.

Next Steps

It’s not always easy to give thanks in all things. I find it helpful to ask myself these questions to gauge where I’m at:

• Am I delighted when I think about God’s character and blessings?
• Am I talking to God throughout my day about everything, big and small?
• Am I reading between the lines of situations to appreciate the good gifts of a loving Heavenly Father?

If I can’t answer yes to all these questions, I know it’s time to explore what might be standing in my way. Consider trying this exercise today. 

The song I’m so Blessed by Cain always raises my spirits. If you’re struggling with some of the questions above, listen to the words. I hope listening to it will do the same for you.

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