In this time of chaos and confusion, in this time of different, in this time of loss – not just loss of people, but loss of normal – it can be so very easy to focus on the bad instead of the good, but just because we have to look harder for things to be thankful for, doesn’t mean that they aren’t there. Paul and James both have been urging us to be different from the world and I don’t think that has ever been more essential than it is right now as we are moving into the holiday season.
There’s a little word in the verses I read that changes everything.
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NIV)
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
We aren’t urged to give thanks “for” all circumstances, we are told to give thanks “in” all circumstances.
I read a quote this week that said, “Thankfulness, or its lack, is the thermometer by which our spiritual temperature can be gauged.” What is your spiritual temperature?