”16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Happy Thanksgiving!
Today, as we gather in this season of Thanksgiving, we are reminded of a simple yet profound truth from Scripture: gratitude is not just a moment or a holiday; it is a lifestyle, an attitude, and a spiritual discipline.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, gives us a powerful triad of commands: rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. These verses challenge us to live with a heart of gratitude regardless of what life throws our way. Let us take some time this morning to unpack these instructions and consider how they shape our Thanksgiving and our daily walk with God.
Rejoice Always
Paul begins with the call to “rejoice always.” Notice the word always. It doesn’t say “rejoice when life is good” or “rejoice when you feel like it.” It says to rejoice at all times. This command may seem impossible at first glance. How can we rejoice when the world feels heavy, when we face trials, or when our hearts are breaking?
The key lies in where our joy is rooted. True Christian joy is not dependent on our circumstances but on our relationship with God. It is anchored in the unchanging truth of who He is and what He has done for us through Jesus.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us focus on the blessings that cannot be taken away: the gift of salvation, the promise of God’s presence, and the assurance of His love. These eternal blessings provide a reason to rejoice, no matter what is happening in our lives.
Pray Continually
The second command is to “pray continually.” This does not mean that we spend every waking moment on our knees, but it calls us to cultivate a lifestyle of constant communication with God. Prayer is the bridge between our earthly struggles and God’s heavenly resources.
When life is challenging, prayer reminds us that we are not alone. When life is good, prayer keeps our hearts humble and centered on the Giver of all good things. In every season, prayer aligns our hearts with God’s will.
This Thanksgiving, let us make prayer an integral part of our gratitude. Instead of just saying grace before the meal, let us take time to thank God for His faithfulness throughout the year, for the people He has placed in our lives, and for the opportunities He gives us to serve Him.
Give Thanks in All Circumstances
Finally, Paul instructs us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” This may be the hardest of the three commands, especially when we face pain, loss, or uncertainty. But notice that Paul does not say to give thanks for all circumstances, but in all circumstances.
Why is this distinction important? Because giving thanks in all circumstances is an act of faith. It acknowledges that even in difficulty, God is still good, sovereign, and working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
When we practice gratitude in the midst of challenges, we shift our focus from what we lack to what we have in Christ. We remind ourselves of God’s past faithfulness, which strengthens our trust in His future provision.
As we reflect on this Thanksgiving season, let us remember that gratitude is a choice. It’s not based on how we feel but on who God is. When we choose to give thanks, even in tough times, we reflect the heart of Christ and become a testimony to those around us.
Gratitude as God’s Will
Paul ends this passage with a profound statement: “for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Many of us wonder what God’s will is for our lives. Here, Paul makes it clear: God’s will is that we live with joy, prayer, and gratitude.
Why? Because these attitudes reflect a life transformed by the Gospel. When we rejoice, we declare that our hope is in Christ. When we pray, we demonstrate our dependence on God. When we give thanks, we reveal a heart that trusts in His goodness.
This Thanksgiving, let us commit to living out God’s will by cultivating a lifestyle of gratitude. Let us not confine our thanksgiving to one day or one season but let it overflow into every aspect of our lives.
As we gather around our tables this week, let us pause and reflect on God’s goodness. Let us rejoice in His faithfulness, lift our prayers with gratitude, and give thanks for His many blessings.
May we carry this spirit of thanksgiving beyond the holiday, allowing it to shape our hearts and transform our perspective. For when we live with gratitude, we fulfill God’s will and become a light in a world that desperately needs His joy, peace, and hope.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Let’s pray!
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your goodness, Your faithfulness, and Your love. Teach us to rejoice always, to pray continually, and to give thanks in all circumstances. Help us to live with hearts full of gratitude, not just today but every day. May our thanksgiving bring You glory and draw others closer to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
To God be all the glory, now and forever.
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This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
