Give thanks in all circumstances.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess 5:18

​In the middle of a discouraging situation, whether it’s a bad medical report, a broken relationship, or a failed business venture, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But right there, in the middle of the junk, we can pause and choose a different response. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

​We can pray: “Lord, I acknowledge that you are God on the throne, and nothing escapes your notice or your caring concern for me” (Psalm 103:19; Psalm 11:4; Matthew 10:29-31). “All the promises of your word belong to me” (2 Corinthians 1:20). “I don’t know how this will work out, but I trust you, and I know you are in control” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

​Choosing to exalt the Lord during contrary circumstances takes real strength, and the Bible calls that remaining connected to the vine, as it produces true fruitfulness (John 15:5; Isaiah 40:31). Even when you don’t feel like it, acknowledging God’s sovereignty stops the enemy from isolating you in destruction and loss.

​Every time we choose to praise him in tough times (Habakkuk 3:17-18; Acts 16:25), we are actually prophesying over our circumstances: you will turn around, you will be fruitful, and you will prosper (Exodus 1:12; James 1:2-4). Instead of locking our hearts onto our problems, we focus on him.
​When we exalt and celebrate God’s kindness, he moves on our behalf, releasing his angels to encamp around us and serve us (Hebrews 1:14; Psalm 34:7).

As we simply delight in him, he begins aligning things behind the scenes, fixing what was broken. It doesn’t always happen in a single moment, as sometimes it unfolds over a season, but God is faithfully working all things together for our good (Ecclesiastes 3:1; Romans 8:28).