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See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
for you.”—1Thessalonians 5: 15-18.
In all circumstances. I imagine it was easier to say, “Sure, I can be thankful in all circumstances” before we were experiencing THESE circumstances. Rejoice ALWAYS? Now? I don’t feel like rejoicing. We are in the middle of a pandemic that hasn’t gone away and may get worse as we approach the holidays and winter. The holidays themselves may be cause for dismay. Are there family members you cannot be with for fear of spreading the virus? Then again, maybe there are other things in your life that are putting a damper on your usual Thanksgiving plans. What is keeping you from feeling joyful and thankful?
Is it helpful to know that it is God’s intention that we have reasons to be joyful and thankful? That is God’s will in Christ Jesus for us. When we wonder what there is for which to be thankful, remember God’s presence always with us. In the worst of circumstances, God is constantly providing opportunities for each of us to do good to one another. Let us pray, without ceasing, for those God-given opportunities to be evident to us. When we cannot find a reason to rejoice or when we can’t find a reason to be thankful, may we BE THE REASON for someone else to be thankful as we choose to do good to one another.
Peace in Christ,
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Blessings,
Pastor Donna
