THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE
“Rejoice always, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18 NIV
Recently I counseled a good friend who was going through an incredibly tough situation. I know him to be a man of faith, and he asked me ‘where is my God?’. It cut so deep, yet I had no answer.
There are moments where circumstances will cave in on us and make us almost wonder where God is? If He even listens or cares. It is not for the least believing, or the weak in faith, everyone at one or multiple occasions experiences this, yet even that doesn’t change the reality of our scripture.
How then do we give thanks and rejoice always when we are at crossroads and cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel? Paul says as far as we are concerned, we do not know when the day of the Lord is. The circumstance that seems insurmountable today is still bound within the constraints of the present and might have no bearing on the eternal life that is awaiting us. In light of that, he exhorts us to keep the unchanging truth of who God is before us.
The day of the Lord will doubtlessly consume everything that is temporary, but what is eternal will remain eternal. Praising and rejoicing even in hard times, is pressing past the temporary into what is eternal, and that is not easy or enjoyable at times.
Be encouraged therefore, staying confident in the hope that we hold. He is faithful, good and just no matter what. Hallelujah !
Prayer: Father I thank you for this truth. I rejoice in you through every circumstance because your love is better than life. My whole being clings to you, and I know my hope shall not be cut off, in Jesus name. Amen!
CI.
