Give Thanks in All Circumstances

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18

We’ve heard it many times – “Give thanks in all circumstances” – but you're probably thinking, Is that even possible?

Imagine this: A beloved friend is in a terrible car accident. Their vehicle is totaled. The driver who caused the accident dies instantly. Your friend survives, but is left paralyzed.

Bitterness would be understandable, and anger would make sense, but instead, you witness something extraordinary.

Your friend chooses forgiveness. They pray for the soul of the other driver. They lift up prayers for peace, love, and comfort for that driver’s grieving family.

Despite the long road ahead and a life that now looks very different, your friend chooses to rejoice, not because the situation is good, but because God is still good. They are thankful simply to be alive.

This is what it looks like to be thankful in all circumstances, and this is what it means to praise God through both the highs and the lows of life.

Scripture tells us:

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Psalm 34:18 (ESV)

Being thankful in all circumstances is possible, but we cannot do it alone.

We need the Holy Spirit. We must invite Him in daily. We must trust Him to lead and guide us through every obstacle we face. When difficult circumstances arise, we need to ask for help, to respond in a God honoring way. We need supernatural strength and wisdom, not worldly wisdom that can lead us astray.

God’s Word also assures us:

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28 (ESV)

It is God’s will that we abide in Him no matter what. That means staying close to Him through every season, through joy and through sorrow. He calls us to praise Him even in the storms.

Life is not easy, but He has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

If you are walking through a difficult season today, remember that you are never alone. God is always with you.

If you don’t know what to be thankful for today, be thankful for God’s love. Be thankful that you are never truly alone.

My friends, being thankful in all circumstances is hard. But let us never forget, nothing is impossible with God.

No matter what comes our way, I believe there is a blessing to be found. I believe there is a silver lining, even in the darkest moments.

Father, help us find the blessings.

Help us see the silver linings, even in the bleakest situations.

Let Your light of love and healing shine through every circumstance.

I pray that everyone who reads this feels Your love today. I pray they search their hearts, find a blessing, and hold tightly to it. Blessings are all around us, we just need eyes to see them and hearts willing to receive them.

In the end, there is always something to be thankful for.

🎶 Today’s song: “Grateful” – Elevation Worship

Author: Nadia Walker 

Revised By: Priscilla Campbell 

Editor: Christine Platt