“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

Let me ask you a simple question: How often do you give thanks to God? Maybe you give thanks before every meal. Maybe you give thanks whenever something positive happens like a new job, a raise, or when someone does a spontaneous act of kindness for you. These are great reasons to give thanks to God, but what if I told you that we also have opportunities to give thanks during times of pain and struggle?

So often we only give thanks and praise to God when things are going good, but we forget to give thanks and praise during our struggles. We often think that ‘giving thanks’ is purely situational, rather than an orientation of the heart and proclamation of a greater truth.

You see, when we give thanks to God in times of struggle, pain, and confusion, we are not acknowledging or giving authority to those negative things. Instead, giving thanks despite those things is an acknowledgment and a proclamation of God’s authority and truth over our lives. God doesn’t want to just be your personal Lord and Savior when things are good, but even more when things are going really bad.

When we give thanks for God’s goodness and proclaim His truth over our lives despite our present reality and situation, it makes room for the Holy Spirit to move. You see, we live in a broken and fallen world where sin and the Enemy rule. Bad things will happen and we will have bad days, but we have a greater truth and reality to be thankful for: Jesus Christ is on the throne and the Final words haven’t been spoken yet.

This week, no matter where we are at or what we are facing, let’s give thanks and proclaim the glory, honor, and truth of God.