The past few days I’ve been thinking a lot about this scripture: rejoice, pray always, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1Thess5:16-18.
The good things that God is doing are too much to comprehend. And it is cause for great rejoicing. But is it odd that it’s also bringing up things that I would rather forget? Losses that I need to turn from and accept are springing up, refusing to be forgotten. But as I reflect on this scripture, I know that it was hard during these incredibly challenging times to give thanks. I prayed, but I don’t think I could give thanks with sincerity. I could only rejoice when I could rejoice, although I did continue to pray. But all the things that I experienced, how could I give thanks for them? Can I give thanks for them now?
Certainly, what God is doing now exceeds what I desired then. And in order to purge this past I have to give thanks for how things happened. Strangely, in coming to this conclusion I see that I was holding as evidence faith that was disappointed, as a reminder that God let me down. You know, sometimes you have faith for things, and God leads you to believe for it, only for it to fall into pieces. And you are disappointed, not always because the thing didn’t work out. But because God pushed your faith to a level that was both unrealistic and uncomfortable, only for you to land on your face. Now you have evidence to discredit God’s assurance that when you hope in Him you won’t be disappointed (Isaiah 49:23).
However, this verse 18 of the Thessalonians scripture reminds me to give thanks in all circumstances – when things work out, and when they don’t. Why? It’s God’s will for you. What is the purpose? If you don’t give up, he is faithful to exceed expectations. He is faithful to heal and build you up. You’ll pass through many waters and make it to the other side. However, like Jesus, you have to endure the hard times; there is a glory that is set before you. And so, you thank God that though the weapons are formed, they will not prosper; though you are hard pressed on every side you’re not crushed; struck down but not destroyed. In hindsight my heart was too weighed down to be sincerely thankful. But I think if I had been, the remnants of these disappointments would not be clinging to me as they are now.
But I thank God for what didn’t work out, because he gave me a heart to believe for better things. My faith was built up and strengthened. My faith is no longer dependent on me, on the right circumstances, or what makes me comfortable. It’s trusting, believing despite not seeing the bigger picture.
Thanksgiving just passed. Most of us are thankful for family, and friends, thankful to have a roof over our heads, food, employment, etc. But all these things are not without challenges. Our families, friends, employers disappoint us and upset us, but despite all of that we look to the good and give thanks for them. So, we ought to be in all circumstances. In this life, hard times will come; each of us have our portion of it. But I’ve learned that you have to stay with God no matter what. It’s not meaningless, neither is it fruitless. Everything will be ok. He is good. He is faithful. So, allow yourself to rejoice. Pray, even when it hurts to. And be thankful despite it all. Every star has its own glory. You’ll bask in yours, if you don’t give up.
