Give Thanks in All Circumstances

by Bob Gaudi

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

The author of the passage below is unknown. It was supposedly found on a dead soldier in the Civil War and was shared with me by one of our church family, whom most of you probably know:

I asked God for strength that I might achieve, but I was made weak that I might humbly obey.

I asked for help that I might do greater things, but I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy. I was given poverty so that I would become wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men. I was given weakness that I might feel my need for God.

I asked for all things so that I might enjoy life. I was given life that I may enjoy all things.

I got nothing I asked for, but I got everything I hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my prayers were answered. I am among all men the most richly blessed!

The above passage is especially appropriate at this time of Thanksgiving and begs the question: Am I looking for the right things in life, and am I asking God for the right things? It also sends the message that God provides us with what we need—always. What we ask for or think we need is not necessarily what God has planned for us. Our Father loves and cares for us, always having our best interests in mind. While we all know what comes our way is not always easy to accept—and may even lead to questioning God’s plan—we also need to remember that His plan is not ours, nor are His ways our ways (Isaiah 55:8).

As the author says above: “I asked for all things so that I might enjoy life. I was given life, that I may enjoy all things.” God gives us life, and He gives it abundantly. He provides; we flourish. It is often difficult to stop and smell the roses when you are rushing so fast you don’t “have” time to stop; and maybe your nose was so stuffed up anyway that you couldn’t smell, even if you took the time to try. So, take time now. Stop what you are doing and take the time to consider your relationship with your Maker. (Remember: it’s HIS time anyway and He provides it for our use.) Use it wisely: rejoice, forgive, pray, think right thoughts, serve and do good, and most importantly…thank God. Practice those things each day. Celebrate your God and His gracious plan by giving thanks in all circumstances. You, too, are richly blessed.

Having just celebrated Thanksgiving Day, we would be well advised to recall the last line of the passage above. Remember to make every day a day of thanksgiving, for we are truly and completely blessed. Paul reminds us in today’s verse: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances…” He echoes this in Philippians 4:4–7, urging us to rejoice in the Lord; to thank and trust Him. Finally, Paul notes: by giving your requests to Him, you will find peace. So, friends, rejoice in the Lord always and for all things, for you are indeed blessed. Be thankful always and without fail!

Heavenly Father, thank You for all You do in our lives, and for all the love and blessings You bestow on us each day. Please help us to continually focus on and be of service to You and others. Empower us through Your Spirit to carry out Your will for us in sharing with others Your love for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.