The Joy of Perpetual Thanks

God’s Ways are Not Our Ways — And That’s an Encouraging Thought

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

A most frustrating realization is that we rarely can stay in an effortless and satisfying state of thanksgiving. And by ‘we’, I mean basically everyone. Sure, every once in a while, maybe you’re overtaken by spontaneous thankfulness, either as a result of a dangerous circumstance (“thank God, I literally almost crashed into that car”) or perhaps more seldomly, as a result of something good that happens to you (“I landed my dream job woohoo! Thank you, Lord!”).

But as Christians, we are called to give thanks in all circumstances. In all circumstances means all the time. In everything. In the mundane and in the highs of life. And if you’re not a Christian, try it out anyway, the results may surprise you.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. — Colossians 2:6–7

If you’ll allow me, I’d like to dish out a large slice of humble pie, with the help of the following verse: