Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 BSB

“Remember, God tells us to be thankful for every circumstance like it says in 1 Thes. 5:18.” These words came in the form of a text, the day after I  received terrible news. My well-meaning friend was being a well-meaning friend. However, her words left me unsettled.

I was not thankful for this trial. Not at all. Still not.

In this verse, are the words “in” and “for”. It says to be thankful in my trial/circumstance,  for this is God’s will. Maybe my theology is wonky, but my interpretation is: we may be thankful  in our trials but not necessarily for  our trials.

So, how does this look? How do we follow God’s will- according to 1 Thessalonians 5:18- when faced with tragedy, betrayal, loss and pain?

Let us dig deeply for the fruit in the midst of our agony and thank Him for it. Even in the worst of times, there are precious blessings if we intentionally look for them. This is how we get and stay thankful in the dismally deep waters of our circumstance.

I found riches in my pain: God has loved me through friends as I’ve never experienced before. I’ve learned the power of vulnerability in seeking help. My trust in the Lord has increased as has my thirst for His Word. AND! I now know that one can survive for days on only Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups  and Saltines.

My journal pages are word-full of the treasures I have found in my trying circumstances. The pages crinkled by my  tears. Maybe someday I will be thankful for it. but until then, I press on with my Jesus. For Him, I am always thankful.

Reflect:

~How can I thank God in this trial?

~Where do I see His fruit in my pain?

~How can/will this circumstance broaden my trust in God?

Dear Lord,

How rich we are in Your love for us. Lead us to find fruit in our pain. Today we chose thankfulness in it, knowing this is Your will for us in Christ Jesus.

Amen