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

Devotion

These verses have long held a place in my heart. I have known them for years, yet knowing how to apply them can sometimes be a struggle. If you take Paul literally, there is nothing for which we shouldn’t give thanks. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul was encouraging a young, struggling church, and he gave instructions for specific reasons. 

• To build spiritual resilience: He knew facing trials often makes people bitter. His command to rejoice, pray, and give thanks was a practical strategy to protect their hearts.
• To shift their perspective: He wanted them to set their minds on eternal hope and blessings rather than their earthly conditions. 
• To anchor them in community: Praying together and focusing on gratitude kept the church united and focused on God’s presence. 
  
  

As you know, Paul did not say to give thanks for all circumstances. There are things we would never choose to celebrate. Even in these challenging times, though, there is always something we can choose to thank God for. 

Years ago, our family applied this during a very difficult time while adopting our daughter. The process dragged on for years and cost far more than we ever expected. The fear that we might lose her and how little control we had over it, created an initial reaction of anger and frustration. 

But that verse … 

Our application of this verse came in the form of “praise walks” anytime we were having a particularly rough day. We started walking through the neighborhood with our infant in a stroller to just walk and praise. At each house we passed, we named something we were thankful for before we moved on to the next house. While our circumstances did not immediately change, our focus did. Relying on our sovereign Father to work his plan in his time, and thanking him for that, gave our hearts a newfound peace.

A former pastor of ours would say, “Thankfulness and worry can’t occupy the same space.”

I believe he is correct, the more I praise and thank the Father, the more worry and busyness of life fade into the background.

The circumstances we are facing today don’t have to be life-changing to overwhelm us. Sometimes it can be any combination of things: a packed calendar, a sick child, financial burdens, work pressure, etc. When you face life challenges, you can introduce the idea of a “praise walk.” Make it your own and something easy to accomplish. Instead of walking outside, you could thank God while you drive to work, stand in line at the grocery store, or wash dishes. Think, “what is one thing I can thank God for right now?” Not because everything is good, but because God is good in the middle of everything.

Make time today, no matter how little, to say a prayer of thanks in the midst of everything. You could thank him for: the very ability to speak to him, the mind he gave you, the people around you, the parents who gave you life. It may be difficult sometimes to align your heart with his, but taking the first step of saying “thank you” will pay tremendous dividends in the long run. That’s just like God; he even works our praise of his goodness into good for us! How great is he!

PRAYER

Dear God, 

Thank you for being with us in every circumstance. When life feels busy, difficult, or overwhelming, help us pause and recognize the blessings you have given us. Give us grateful hearts—not because of our circumstances, but because you are faithful through them. Help us remember to look for something to thank you for each day and to trust you with what we can’t control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Dana Neal
Administrative Assistant, Women's Ministry

Resources:

Listen to Crossings worship.  

Watch the Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude series by Senior Pastor Marty Grubbs. 

Explore other devotions like this one any time at crossings.church/devotions .