1 THESSALONIANS 5:18

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

TO PONDER

God has always wanted his people to give thanks, in the Old Testament we read about the temple and the required offerings for many situations including thanksgiving. 

It’s easy to give thanks in the good times, and sometimes easy to forget, but God’s will is for us to give thanks in all circumstances, that means right in the middle of whatever the circumstance.  This can be hard but Jesus didn’t promise us a life free of suffering. Suffering can be like applying heat to metals to refine them, to get rid of the impurities. We can take a deep look at ourselves and ask Jesus to help us identify what holds us back from completely immersing ourselves in his word and the work he wants to do, to refine us.

Suffering, whatever form it takes, if it is personal or corporate, renews and strengthens us as we live out our lives in faith and the knowledge that God  keeps his promises.

As we thank God, as we praise him, as we acknowledge the beauty of his creation and his complete control over all things, his joy invades us. 

PRAYER: Father God, I know and accept that suffering is a part of life. It is not necessarily a punishment but an opportunity to praise and thank you and draw closer to you. Please give me the words to be able to help others see their circumstances in the same way. Amen

Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle.