September 22
Giving Thanks in
All Circumstances
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Daily Steps
This verse provides the most concise, powerful summary of the practice of rejoicing (Day 265). It establishes thanksgiving not as an occasional good idea, but as a continuous spiritual act and a direct expression of God’s will for the new believer: Give thanks in all circumstances.
The peace in this principle is found in conscious gratitude:
The Scope of Gratitude: The command is absolute: Give thanks in all circumstances. This does not mean we must be thankful for evil or tragedy, but that in the midst of every situation—good, bad, or indifferent—we can always find a reason to thank God. This requires a profound act of faith (Day 254) and trust in His goodness.
The Expression of God's Will: This continuous gratitude is defined as God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Seeking and living out the will of God (Day 250) is the ultimate source of peace (Day 222). When we choose to be thankful, we are actively aligning our spirit with God’s purpose and character, which secures our joy (Day 264).
The Result is Contentment: The discipline of thanksgiving redirects our focus from what we lack to what we have—the abundance of His house (Day 262) and His unfailing love (Day 218). This conscious gratitude combats the anxiety of scarcity and the sin of covetousness, leading directly to deep, lasting contentment and spiritual strength (Day 261).
Your peace is secured by conscious gratitude. Embrace the Discipline of Prayer and The Practice of Rejoicing today by committing to Give thanks in all circumstances, knowing that this persistent act is the direct and powerful expression of God's will for your life.
Reflective Question
What is one difficult circumstance you are currently facing that is making it hard to feel grateful? What is one absolute, unchanging truth about God (e.g., His faithfulness, His love, His Sovereignty) that allows you to genuinely Give thanks in that situation today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my tendency to complain when things are hard. I thank You for the clarity of Your will for me. I pray for the faith and discipline to Give thanks in all circumstances. Secure my peace today by filling my heart with conscious gratitude, that I may truly live out Your perfect will in Christ Jesus. Amen.
