16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
This morning during my morning disciplines (a study/prayer system called The Daily Tryst), the above verse was the verse I read and meditated on for Thanksgiving–the time during Tryst that I stop to give thanks to God.
I was more than a little frustrated after a short night (see the post below). I was kind of rushing through Tryst, not really taking it seriously this morning because of my utter frustration with a string of short nights. (although after writing the prayer in the middle of the night, I was able to get another hour or so of sleep, which I was grateful for). When I reached this verse, however, I sat up and took notice.
I’ve studied, meditated on verse 18 several times before. But this morning it struck home. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Give thanks in all circumstances. It’s hard to give thanks for sleepless, interrupted nights. Yet if I am reading this right–and I may not be–but if I am, I’m to give thanks even in that situation. Tough stuff to do. But important.
I have more to say on the subject, but I’m running late to work. Ugh. Give thanks in all circumstances–give thanks that I have a job, even if I don’t enjoy it or it doesn’t meet our needs. Give thanks in all circumstances, even for the daily commute, because it does afford me time alone with God. Give Thanks in all circumstances, because I do get a chance to be different at work, hopefully making a difference amongst my coworkers. Give Thanks in all circumstances.