Amid so many unknowns, it’s easy to slip into a deep, woe-is-me funk. Into that funk comes Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, particularly these verses: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).
Surely many are thinking: How can we be cheerful during a global pandemic? How can we give thanks in these circumstances?
Then Paul’s words to the Thessalonians nudged me, provoked me. I accepted the challenge. I found reason to rejoice and be cheerful as I watched birds playing in the sprinkler that gives my kitchen garden much-needed water. It may be challenging to feel thankful for much in the current days. Yet if we follow Paul’s admonition to the Thessalonians, we will give thanks in all circumstances.
I pray that you, too, will find much to be thankful for and expand your thankfulness through the daily discipline of Thankofferings.
This message is an excerpt from “Rejoice, pray, give thanks” by Linda Post Bushkofsky in the November 2020 issue of Gather magazine. Today is the third Sunday of Easter.
Do you enjoy these free Daily Grace messages? If so, donate now to further the ministry. Use the “where needed most” line. Subscribe to Gather magazine for full articles excerpted in Daily Grace.