Give Thanks in All Circumstances

11/23/2025

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving, a wonderful holiday celebrating the blessings we have received from our Creator.  Thanksgiving is not only a holiday, but a spiritual discipline. The Bible calls us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” But what does that really mean? How can we truly give thanks when life is difficult? And how does biblical thanksgiving deepen our faith in ways modern gratitude sometimes misses? Let us explore these themes by looking at Scripture and God’s heart toward us.

It is Paul who instructs us to give thanks in all circumstances. This is not a suggestion, but a command to cultivate gratitude no matter what. Regardless of the surroundings or conditions, God’s goodness, power, and love do not stop. Thanksgiving is an attitude of trust and worship that admits God is still God even in the storm.

This is different from what the world teaches. The world instructs us to say, “Thank you,” after we receive something. We are taught to be polite. Yes, this is part of thanksgiving, but only a small part. In biblical language, gratitude involves extending grace and recognizing God’s ongoing kindness to humanity, not just acknowledging personal benefit.  “Extending grace” means offering kindness, compassion, forgiveness, or favor to others – especially when they do nothing to deserve it – mirroring the unearned favor God gives to humanity.

Unlike worldly thanksgiving, spiritual thanksgiving focuses on what God has done for us – His blessings, provision, and faithfulness. Thankfulness and praise often go hand in hand. Praise focuses on who God is – His holiness, love, and eternal power. Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” We thank God for His blessings and praise Him for His character. Both enrich our worship and keep our hearts aligned with God’s truth.

There is a subtle difference between gratitude and thankfulness, although they can be used interchangeably. Gratitude is a deep, more sustained attitude or mindset of appreciation that exists regardless of circumstances. Thankfulness is typically a momentary, emotional response to a specific event or benefit, like feeling pleased or expressing thanks when someone does something kind for us. It tends to be more surface-level and dependent on external circumstances.

In Colossians 3:15-16, Paul says, “And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”  This verse explains that gratitude is “in our hearts,” while thanksgiving is expressed outwardly in worship and community. Both are essential – a grateful heart does not stay hidden but overflows into praise and thankfulness to God.

One of the hardest commands to obey is giving thanks in times of trial. Yet throughout Scripture, God’s people model this. Habakkuk 3:17-18 proclaims, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines... yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Paul echoed this attitude in Philippians 4:12, saying that through Christ, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”  In Luke 22:19, Jesus gave thanks at the Last Supper even as He faced the cross, “…he took bread, gave thanks and broke it…” Thanksgiving furthers faith, hope, and joy even when circumstances are bleak.

Gratitude is powerful because it transforms perspective, enhances our well-being, strengthens relationships, and builds resilience –even during difficult times. This emotional state helps us appreciate what we have, fuels positive emotions, and magnifies satisfaction and optimism.

Research shows that practicing gratitude leads to increased happiness and life satisfaction. It can improve our mood, foster optimism, and lessen negative emotions like anxiety and depression. Studies demonstrate that thankfulness acts as a catalyst for better self-esteem and more joyful interactions. Gratitude is linked to better physical health, stronger immune system, improved sleep quality, and greater resilience under stress. Those who are grateful report feeling healthier and more energetic overall.

Thanksgiving strengthens social bonds and deepens connections with others. It increases compassion and generosity, and promotes trust and intimacy – with friends, family, and with God. Gratitude encourages people to “pay it forward,” making communities more supportive and harmonious.

The power of gratitude lies in its ability to shift our focus from scarcity to abundance, create hope, encourage positive behaviors, and even deepen spiritual faith and trust. This is why gratitude is considered one of the most transformative and sustaining virtues available to anyone. Gratitude toward God transcends circumstances and is not just a feeling, but an intentional response to God’s goodness, saving acts, and love. It helps us recognize all of God’s good in our lives and draws us closer to Spirit regardless of what we are facing.

There are various ways of expressing thanks to God. First is through prayers of thanksgiving, whether for specific blessings or simply for God's character and faithfulness. Philippians 4:6 teaches, “Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.” These foundational teachings show that gratitude and thanksgiving are scriptural virtues with the power to transform perspective, promote hope, and deepen spiritual life. Keep a “Thank You, God,” always ready on your lips.

A second way of expressing thanks to God is what we do each week in church – sing. Speaking or singing words of thanks and praise to God, both privately and communally are effective ways of saying ‘thank you’ to God. Psalm 100:1-2 says, “Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!”

A third way of sharing our thanks with God is through acts of worship such as raising our hands, bowing, kneeling, folding our hands, and other physical acts that honor God. We can also demonstrate gratitude through giving. We give offerings, and we can also share resources, serve others, and live generously as a response to God’s kindness.

Worldly gratitude is commonly described as an “attitude” or “mindset,” that can be shared through our verbal thanks, journaling, and can even go as far as suggesting random acts of kindness and serving others. All of which are great. But it often stops without honoring God as the Source for our blessings. Thanksgiving is an ongoing lifestyle not confined to one day or positive circumstances or personal benefits. It acknowledges God’s character, faithfulness, and sovereign will, especially giving thanks “in all circumstances” including adversity. 

Thanksgiving anchors us in God’s faithfulness, softens hardened hearts, and displaces anxiety with peace. Gratitude for Christ transforms ordinary days into worship, strengthens community, and reveals God’s glory to the world. As we give thanks, our hearts align with God’s purposes, and our lives reflect His grace.

It is my prayer that we celebrate Thanksgiving Day with both an inward grateful heart and an outward expression of worship, encompassing praise for God’s character and thanks for His blessings. Expressing gratitude is a command, a gift, and a pathway to joy no matter what our circumstances. With Christ as our example, may we learn to “give thanks with a joyful heart,” honoring God not only for what He does but for who He is – our faithful, loving, and mighty Source of all.