Bible Passage: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV)
Scripture Reading: Acts 16:16-40
I was recently penalized for something I didn’t do.
It didn’t matter how much I pleaded my case; the judgment had come down, and I had to pay the fine. I was ticked off. It wasn’t right. I wanted justice.
As I sat with my frustration, I thought of Paul and Silas in the first century A.D.
(Acts 16:16-40). They had been in Philippi, telling people about the great love of God and the wondrous gift of eternal life that came through Jesus Christ.
One day, through Christ’s power, they were able to set a slave free from spiritual torment as well as abuse by her owners. This did not earn them any awards. In fact, quite the opposite happened. Her owners were outraged, and the men were arrested, beaten severely, and thrown into prison.
Considering how mad I was at the little injustice done to me, you would think these guys would have been out of their minds with fury. But then the Bible says this:
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God” (Acts 16:25 NIV).
Instead of stewing in anger, they were worshiping and giving thanks!
Paul later would write that we are to give thanks “…in all circumstances”(1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV).
This is the first key to being content in every situation: always give thanks.
Men, you don’t know if that disappointment at work is going to open the door to something brilliant in the future.
You don’t know if your frustrations with your wife or kids could be God’s means of transforming you to look more like Jesus.
You don’t know if that delay at the airport meant you got to be present for something totally unexpected.
Give thanks always. Trust that God is in control and will work all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
Prayer: Dear Lord, when things don’t go my way, I am quick to complain. I am quick to get angry, and I feel justified in my anger. I need You to do a miracle in my life. I need You to help me be more like You. You were treated worse and more unfairly than anyone in the whole world, and yet You never complained. Help me give thanks in every situation, showing that I trust You and believe You are in control. Amen.
Reflection: What is frustrating you the most these days? Where are you finding it hardest to be thankful? Write those things down and then offer them back to God with a thankful heart. Let Him know that, while you don’t fully understand why those things are happening, you are grateful that God has not forgotten you, and that His plan is always good.
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