1 THESSALONIANS 5:18
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of GOD in CHRIST JESUS for you.”
Give Thanks "in everything" vs. "for everything"
The misunderstanding comes in thinking we’re supposed to give thanks “for” everything when GOD is leading us to give thanks “in” everything.
It’s a concept some of us struggle with and resist, thinking GOD is telling us to be thankful “for” the trials and difficulties. This makes us miss what He is really leading us to do, which is to be thankful despite the problems, to not let disappointments, failures, losses, and hurts keep us from being thankful to Him.
During tumultuous times, ABBA GOD asks us to focus on Him and His faithfulness to us, rather than on our problems; to dwell on His promise to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), and to trust Him to help us in every situation we face in life. The way to always give thanks is to remember to thank GOD for His eternal gifts and promises. When the Bible says to give thanks in all things, it asks people to thank the LORD for blessings both visible and invisible. When He blesses, thank Him, and thank Him for the things unseen in which Christians place their hope in CHRIST JESUS.
Thankfully Yours,
Pastor Wally & Sister Mattie