1 Thessalonians 5:18. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
The most accurate way to confirm the work of God in our lives is through the fulfillment of His Word and His answers to our prayers. For this reason, we must know the Word deeply and accurately. Then, in God’s perfect time, we will begin to see precise answers to what we pray for.
Jesus assured us of this when He said, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24). But how do we believe we have received what we asked for? Through the prayer of thanksgiving.
We begin by giving thanks to our Father for what He has already done to resolve our fundamental problems. Scripture says, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). The root of all our problems is spiritual—living without knowing God. Humanity, separated from its Creator, has been bound by death and sin since the beginning.
Yet, driven by His great love for us, God sent His Son to give us life and freedom in Christ. This is the greatest gift, and the first reason for our thanksgiving. God also freed us from the grip of the one who holds the power of death—the devil. As it is written, “You used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient” (Ephesians 2:2). From the moment we were cut off from God, all people came under Satan’s control, following the ways of the world and suffering spiritual, emotional, and physical consequences.
But God, in His mercy, saved us from Satan’s curse and the destiny of hell by offering His only Son on the cross. Jesus’ death was the most powerful display of God’s love for us. Through Him, we also receive the power to overcome our weaknesses and sinful nature. “All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3). But now, we no longer need to live according to the desires of the flesh. We no longer chase the things of the world or bow down to false gods—we live to serve the living God.
All of this is made possible because of God’s love, mercy, and grace. “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4–6). There is no prayer more pleasing to our Father than one of thanksgiving for the salvation He has given and for the freedom from the power of Satan. Thanksgiving, then, must be the foundation of our prayers: “Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Not only are we saved, but we have become children of God who no longer need to worry about anything in life. Jesus said,
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:26–27).
Knowing this, we now seek God’s will above our own, trusting that His ways are higher. In every circumstance, we experience His peace. This is the life He promised us—and for this, we give thanks.
Even our troubles and hardships become reasons to pray: “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray” (James 5:13). Difficulties can become the very opportunity to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit. They help us focus only on Christ and the kingdom of God. Our prayers, when grounded in God’s covenant, are powerful and effective (James 5:16). Like Elijah, we will witness that nothing is impossible with prayer (James 5:17–18).
God allows our current situations so that we can experience the power of Christ working in us and through us. That’s why even trials become occasions for joy and gratitude: “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2). Before asking God for anything, reflect on what He has already given you in Christ. Instead of complaining or blaming others, ask God to open your eyes to His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Let your heart return to thanksgiving. Gratitude is the highest form of worship to our Father (Psalm 95:2–3) and the most powerful weapon against the enemy (Job 1:20–22).
Prayer. Father, I thank You for who I am and what I have in Christ. It is only by Your love, mercy, and grace that I can call You my Father. So I come and worship You with songs of thanksgiving. Assured of Your promises, I will give You thanks in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name, Amen.