Contemplation #214
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Thankfulness comes out of humility. To be grateful for anything requires a lowliness of spirit and heart, for the proud always chafe over how they deserve more than they have. Constant gratitude is possible only by those who truly believe they are owed nothing, and therefore are exceedingly joyful and thankful over whatever they receive in life. If being thankful in all circumstances will not be a bitter chore for us, then we must first be humble in all circumstances.

Contemplation #215
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Many times when we seek to discover the will of God in our lives we are searching for a direction such as what job, what decision, or what direction with regard to choices we face. Much more important than finding God’s will in those matters is realizing that God’s will for us is clearly identified in the shaping and direction for our hearts. The will of God for each one of us is to cultivate thankfulness, a pure and simple gratitude toward God for being God to us. When we know this will of God for us, we learn how to make all the other life choices within that will.

Contemplation #216
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

In Christ Jesus. When we are brought into Christ, all circumstances are redeemed and given new meaning. Conditions under which we would not have been able to give thanks are transformed, because we are ourselves transformed, so that in all circumstances we can give thanks. We are brought into Christ so that we can come to place where gratitude is possible in all things. For what purpose has God brought us into Christ? So that we might give thanks continually.