The Apostle Paul's exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 is brief yet profoundly challenging: " Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." This terse statement cuts against the grain of our natural inclinations. To give thanks in all circumstances seems paradoxical, if not impossible. How can one give thanks amidst suffering, injustice, calamity, and loss? Yet this is the unmistakable charge given to believers.
This command is not unique in Scripture but resonates consistently throughout the Bible's divine revelation. From the opening pages of Genesis praising God as Creator to the saints giving thanks amidst tribulation in Revelation, an attitude of thankfulness is a distinguishing mark of those who follow Christ. The Psalms contain over 30 appeals to give thanks to the Lord (e.g., Psalms 100:4, 105:1, 106:1, 107:1, 118:1, 136:1).
What is the basis and rationale for this recurring emphasis on thankfulness, even amidst challenging circumstances? And how can the people of God cultivate this disposition of the heart? This doctoral-level blog post will explore the profound theological foundations and existential realities that make giving thanks in all circumstances possible and desirable for those united to Christ.
The Supreme Basis for Thanksgiving
To understand the basis for thankfulness, one must start from the beginning - the very character and works of the Triune God revealed in Scripture. True thankfulness flows from a deep fountain of theology proper - the study of God Himself.
God's Self-Existence and Self-Sufficiency
At the most foundational level, the God portrayed in Scripture is self-existent and self-sufficient (Acts 17:24-25). He alone is the uncaused cause, the unmoved mover, the independent and autonomous Creator from which all else derives its existence and sustenance (Revelation 4:11). As humans; we intuitively understand dependence - our very lives and next breaths rely on external sources. But God relies on nothing external, being inherently self-sufficient. This truth alone evokes a profound sense of transcendent gratitude - that the independent and self-sufficient God would choose to create and sustain contingent beings at all is an act of pure grace deserving of thankfulness.
God's Perfections and Glory
Related to God's self-existence is His array of perfect attributes displayed in fullness. He is perfectly wise, infinitely powerful, immutably good, completely just (Deuteronomy 32:4). Moreover, the Triune God has existed eternally in the perfect fullness of glorifying Himself through the inter-relations of the Trinity (John 17:5). God did not create out of need, but out of the overflow of His glory (Isaiah 43:7). That finite creatures can participate in knowing and displaying God's manifold perfections through salvation is the highest conceivable gift, one requiring ceaseless thankfulness (Psalm 86:12-13).
God's Gracious Condescension in Creation and Providence
Out of His perfect freedom, the self-sufficient God graciously chose to create the cosmos and all that is in it through the Son and by the Spirit (Genesis 1:1, John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:16). Beyond creating, God continually upholds and governs all things through His wise and sovereign providence (Colossians 1:17, Hebrews 1:3). That the all-glorious Creator would lovingly create and engage with creation is the highest motivation for gratitude and worship (Nehemiah 9:6, Revelation 4:11). Contemplating God's majesty displayed in creation and involvement in human affairs through His providential rule over all things should naturally evoke a humble spirit of continual thankfulness (Psalm 104).
God's Redeeming Love in Christ
But God's supreme revelation occurs not in creation but in the Person and work of Jesus Christ, the eternal Son who took on human nature to redeem fallen mankind. The incarnation of the Son and His atoning death on the cross is the zenith of God's self-disclosure and prompts the highest degree of thankfulness. In Christ, God's righteousness and love are ultimately revealed (Romans 3:25-26). The Son's willing submission to die in the place of sinners, receiving God's wrath on the cross, is the supreme act of divine condescension, humility, and sacrificial love (Philippians 2:5-8). That God would take on human nature and suffer for those who were His enemies is astonishing grace invoking profound gratitude (Romans 5:8-10). As Jesus states, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).
Paul captures the depth of thankfulness owed to God for His redeeming work in Christ: "Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15). The apostle also encourages believers to continually be "giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:12-14). Redemption accomplished through Christ's death is the supreme basis for ceaseless gratitude and thankful living.
The Promise of Glorification
God has redeemed believers through Christ's finished work and promised their ultimate glorification when Christ returns (Romans 8:30, Philippians 3:20-21). The present suffering and miseries of this fallen world will give way to an eternal inheritance of righteousness, peace, and joy in the unveiled presence of God Himself (Revelation 21:1-4) just as the Israelites sang songs of thankfulness in anticipation of entering the Promised Land after Egyptian slavery (Exodus 15), so believers can give thanks now in light of their guaranteed future glorification (Romans 8:18).
The supreme basis for thanksgiving is rooted in the very being, works, and promises of the Triune God revealed in Scripture. From God's self-existence and perfections to His gracious condescension in creating and providentially caring for the world, to His redeeming love displayed supremely in Christ's work, to the promised glorification awaiting believers - these foundational truths provide an inexhaustible well of reasons for giving thanks in all circumstances.
The Existential Reasons for Thanksgiving
While the primary basis for thankfulness is theocentric, focusing on who God is and what He has accomplished, there are also anthropological and existential reasons that make giving thanks sensible and necessary for human flourishing.
Thankfulness Acknowledges Dependence
At a fundamental level, the practice of giving thanks is an acknowledgment that one is not self-sufficient or independent but a contingent and dependent creature before the Creator (Acts 17:28). To be unthankful is symptomatic of the pride and self-sufficiency that precipitated humanity's fall into sin (Genesis 3:5-6). Giving thanks, however, properly orientates the believer, displaying humility and ascribing worth and glory to the Giver of all good things (James 1:17).
Thankfulness Cultivates Contentment
The apostle Paul directly links being thankful with the ability to be content in any circumstance (Philippians 4:11-12). When believers maintain an attitude of thankfulness to God as the sovereign giver of every good gift, even in affliction, it produces an inner settledness that transcends circumstances (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Ingratitude, conversely, often stems from a sense of entitlement, creating discontentment, covetousness, and lack of peace. Therefore, obedience to give thanks in all things is a means of developing sustainable contentment.
Thankfulness Shapes Perspective
The presence or absence of thankfulness profoundly shapes one's perspective on life. An ungrateful spirit displays a form of spiritual blindness, being unable to perceive the manifold gifts and grace one has received (2 Corinthians 4:4). Thankfulness enables the eyes of the heart to be opened, to properly value the abundant spiritual and material provisions of God (Ephesians 1:18). A grateful perspective can find reason for praise and joy even amidst difficulties (Habakkuk 3:17-19). Psychologically and spiritually, thankfulness is health for the soul.
Thankfulness Fosters Humility
Expressing gratitude to God intrinsically cultivates humility, as it recognizes one's utter dependence and needs before the self-sufficient Creator. Pride lessens when the reality of divine provision and unmerited favor is continually acknowledged. As Jesus taught, apart from humble dependence on God, humans can do nothing of true value (John 15:5). Gratitude to God counteracts the self-sufficiency and sense of earned deservedness that breeds pride. It keeps the believer's accomplishments, gifts, and possessions in proper perspective as gracious provisions from the Giver.
Thankfulness Strengthens Faith
The spiritual discipline of giving thanks, even in difficult circumstances, is one of the primary ways the Bible exhorts believers to strengthen their faith and hope in God's promises (Colossians 2:6-7). When believers can maintain a spirit of thankfulness amidst sorrows and losses, it demonstrates their trust is in the immutable character of God rather than temporal circumstances. Giving thanks is an expression of confidence that God's future purpose and promises will not fail, no matter present difficulties (Romans 8:28). It honors God by showing faith that his will and ways are good, wise, and worthy of thanks, even when inscrutable (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Thanksgiving Glorifies God
Ultimately, giving thanks glorifies God by displaying His infinite worth and perfections to others (Psalm 50:23). A life characterized by consistent thankfulness to God declares that He alone is the source of all good things, and all glory belongs to Him. It ascribes worth to the Giver over the gifts themselves. As Paul instructs, "Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:17). Thankfulness adorns the doctrine of God in the witness of His people (Titus 2:10).
In summary, the call to give thanks is not an arbitrary command but provides for human spiritual flourishing. It acknowledges creaturely dependence, cultivates contentment, shapes an eternal perspective, fosters humility, strengthens faith, and glorifies God. Gratitude is, therefore, not only logically coherent but profoundly sensible and necessary for fallen humans to experience the fullness of life in Christ. It places the believer in the proper created order of relationship with their Maker.
Giving Thanks in All Circumstances
While the theological and existential reasons for thankfulness are clear, the specific appeal to "give thanks in all circumstances" presents a formidable challenge. How is this possible amidst suffering, injustice, persecution, and insurmountable difficulties?
The Paradigm of Christ
The key to giving thanks in all circumstances is found in the preeminent example of Christ Himself. In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing betrayal, unjust condemnation, and excruciating death on the cross, Christ exemplified thankful submission to His Father's will (Luke 22:42). Though His soul was "very sorrowful, even to death" (Matthew 26:38). He asked for "this cup" to pass from Him if possible, Christ ultimately prayed "nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" (Luke 22:42). Here is the pattern - the ability to give thanks in the most afflicting circumstances arises from a humble submission and trust in the perfect will and character of God. Even when facing unfathomable injustice and suffering, Jesus could thank His Father in alignment with His will.
Suffering With Christ
Following the pattern of Christ, believers can give thanks in their sufferings because they are united with Christ and participants in His afflictions (Philippians 3:10). As those conformed to Christ's likeness, it should not be expected that suffering is avoided but embraced in humble submission to God's will and purposes (Romans 8:17, 2 Timothy 3:12). Paul could give thanks while imprisoned because his difficult circumstances were ultimately working towards the advancement of the gospel and his own progress in Christ-likeness (Philippians 1:12-14, 19). Giving thanks in trials is an expression of faith that God is working "all things together for good" in conforming believers to the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-29).
Eternity in View
Maintaining thankfulness amidst present afflictions also depends on having an eternal perspective rooted in the certainties of future glorification. As the apostle Paul states, "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison" (2 Corinthians 4:17). When believers fix their eyes not on seen temporal circumstances but on the unseen eternal reality, they can "not lose heart" and give thanks even in hardships (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Paul could give thanks while experiencing afflictions because he knew "that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18).
The saints in Revelation provide a powerful vision of those who "have come out of the great tribulation" and are now glorified, giving thanks to God forever in His unveiled presence (Revelation 7:9-17). Their thankfulness emerged from the crucible of severe affliction and persecution on earth. But having been ushered into the perfect joy and glory of Christ's presence, no amount of former suffering could overpower their eternal gratitude and worship. This eternal perspective empowers present thankful endurance.
God's Sovereignty and Wisdom At the deepest level, the ability to give thanks in all circumstances relies on an unwavering trust in God's complete sovereignty and infinite wisdom over all of life's circumstances. Even when human understanding fails to comprehend the reasons for particular trials or injustices, the thankful heart can rest assured that the all-wise God is working through all things according to His inscrutable yet good purposes (Romans 11:33-36). The biblical accounts of Joseph (Genesis 50:20), Job (Job 1:21), and the prophets give testimony that thankfulness is still possible, even amidst inexplicable hardships, because of faith in God's governance over all events.
From an eternal perspective, God's thoughts and ways are infinitely higher and wiser than human estimation (Isaiah 55:8-9). What presently seems irredeemably tragic may be working towards a greater eternal good from God's vantage point (Romans 8:20). The believer doesn't have to attain complete understanding to walk by faith in giving thanks. As Christ exemplified, thankful submission to God's will is itself an act of worship in times of greatest difficulty. The thankful heart trusts that if God's own Son was not spared from unspeakable affliction, He must have perfectly wise purposes for the sufferings He allows His children to endure (Romans 8:32).
Strength Through the Spirit Ultimately, the supernatural ability to give thanks in every circumstance relies not on mere human willpower but on the enablement of the indwelling Holy Spirit. In the theology of Paul, the capacity to walk in continual thankfulness, joy, prayer, and obedience flows from being "filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18-20). The fruit of the Spirit includes peace, patience, joy, and self-control – dispositions that allow thankfulness to persist even in difficulties (Galatians 5:22-23). Through the ongoing transformative work of the Spirit, believers grow in spiritual maturity and can increasingly demonstrate thankful endurance in hardships (Colossians 1:11-12).
Furthermore, the Spirit is the source of the believer's hope, which anchors the soul through tempests of affliction and equips with inner strength to give thanks (Romans 15:13, Ephesians 3:16). The indwelling presence of Christ Himself also enables power for endurance with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:13). Through prayer, worship, scriptural meditation and other spiritual disciplines, believers increasingly access the divine resources needed for thankful perseverance by the Spirit's empowerment (Jude 1:20-21).
As the paradigm of Christ demonstrates, giving thanks in all circumstances is truly humanly impossible apart from God's enabling grace and power. Only those united with Christ and indwelt by His Spirit can access the divine perspective and fortitude necessary to obey this command. Thankfulness in suffering is a supernatural disposition that glorifies God by revealing the reality of His indwelling presence and power.
Practical Guidance for Thanksgiving
While rooted in profound theological realities, the practice of giving thanks in all circumstances requires continual cultivation in the practical realities of the believer's life. Here is some guidance for developing an enduring spirit of thankfulness:
Intentional Gratitude Lists and Journaling One of the most practical ways to develop a thankful disposition is to intentionally cultivate gratitude through maintaining lists and journals. Making a daily practice of writing down specific things one is thankful for, no matter how small, trains the mind to view life with a grateful perspective. Over time, this spiritual discipline enables thankfulness to become second nature. Even in times of severe difficulty, the habit of listing out gratitudes can reorient the heart from a self-focused perspective to see God's ongoing grace and mercies worthy of thanksgiving.
Biblical Meditation on God's Character, Another powerful catalyst for thankfulness, is a deep meditation on the character of God revealed in Scripture. Sustained reflection on God's infinite perfections, steadfast love, faithfulness, wisdom, power, and glorious majesty provides an endless wellspring of reasons for praise and gratitude (Psalm 36:5-9, 104, 145). As the mind beholds the wondrous attributes of the true and living God, a spontaneous spirit of worship and thankfulness naturally arises in the human heart. Thankfulness flows from knowing God Himself (Jeremiah 9:24).
Remembrance of God's Past Faithfulness The Bible repeatedly exhorts believers to intentionally rehearse and remember God's past faithfulness and provisions as a means of enduring present trials with thankful trust (Deuteronomy 8:2, Psalm 77:11). When the Israelites became discouraged by the obstacles before them in the wilderness, the Lord commanded them to "remember the long way that the Lord your God has led you" (Deuteronomy 8:2). Recounting the innumerable graces, deliverances, miracles and mercies experienced in the past enables thankful endurance for future challenges and uncertainties, as God's unchanging character guarantees His faithfulness in the future (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Purposeful Worship and Prayer The spiritual disciplines of worship through prayer, singing, and scriptural meditation are critical for cultivating and maintaining a thankful spirit (Ephesians 5:19-20, Philippians 4:6-7). As believers purposefully exalt and adore God through worship, their focus shifts from difficult circumstances to the greatness and glory of their Redeemer. The overflow of grateful worship enables thankfulness for all situations. Similarly, thankful prayer before God for every need creates an abundance of peace, transcending understanding during trials (Philippians 4:6-7).
Fellowship and Exhortation The believer's ability to give thanks is also strengthened through regular fellowship and exhortation within the body of Christ (Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 10:24-25). As church members share testimonies of God's faithfulness and their experiences of thankfulness during afflictions, it also provides encouragement and accountability for others to persevere in gratitude. Iron sharpens iron as believers spur one another on to obedience in always giving thanks (Proverbs 27:17).
Refocusing Through Scriptural Truth When feelings of discouragement, despair, or ingratitude arise, Scripture repeatedly exhorts believers to refocus their minds and hearts through meditating on the truth of God's Word (Philippians 4:8, Romans 12:2). Giving thanks in all circumstances is fundamentally a spiritual battle against the lies, pessimism and disordered perspectives that assault the believer's mind. However, renewing the thoughts through scriptural truth enables thankfulness to be maintained, as seen in Paul's example (Philippians 4:11-13). Biblical truth and promises provide the lens to interpret both positive and negative circumstances in a way that evokes thankfulness to God.
While giving thanks in all circumstances is ultimately supernaturally enabled by God's grace and the indwelling Spirit, believers must purposefully steward their spiritual lives through consistent intake of God's Word, worship, prayer, fellowship, and other spiritual disciplines. Thankfulness is a fruit that must be continually cultivated, lest trials and distractions cause discouragements to overtake the heart. Enduring gratitude is a lifelong pursuit enabled by God's power but contingent on the believer's intentional, Spirit-empowered effort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the apostolic exhortation to "give thanks in all circumstances" in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 is one of the most provocative, challenging, yet ultimately sensible and glorious commands given to believers in Christ. At its foundation, an attitude of thankfulness arises from beholding God's supreme grandeur, perfections, and redemptive works revealed in Scripture. The eternal, self-existent, all-glorious Creator and His cosmic plan of redemption through Christ provide an inexhaustible basis for ceaseless gratitude and worship.
Beyond the theological foundations, giving thanks aligns with humanity's creaturely status of utter dependence, cultivating the spiritual graces of contentment, humble perspective, faith, and a singular-minded devotion to God's glory. Far from an arbitrary directive, thankfulness is a means of human spiritual flourishing and experience of abundant life in Christ. While suffering and injustice render gratitude deeply challenging, the supreme examples of Christ and the biblical saints demonstrate how thankfulness is possible - by trusting in God's infinite wisdom, eternal purposes, and sovereign governance over all affairs.
Thankfulness is not ultimately rooted in temporal circumstances but in the unchanging realities of who God is and the definite promise of glorification awaiting believers in Christ. Even when human understanding fails to comprehend God's purposes, the thankful heart can humbly submit and trust that the Lord is working all things together for His supreme glory and the eternal good of His children. This spirit of gratitude honors God's righteousness, love, wisdom, power, and sovereignty over every situation and detail of the believer's life.
While rooted in profound theological realities, thankfulness is a spiritual discipline requiring purposeful, grace-empowered cultivation through gratitude lists, biblical meditation, remembering God's faithfulness, worship, fellowship, and renewing the mind through Scripture. As believers invest themselves in these spiritual exercises, their capacity for thankfulness increases and bears fruit even in life's most severe trials and hardships.
Ultimately, the ability to obey the command to "give thanks in all circumstances" relies entirely on the supernatural provisions and power available through vital union with Christ by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Apart from God's enabling grace, the human heart remains self-focused and ungrateful. But as believers abide in Christ and walk according to the Spirit, His thankful disposition is increasingly formed through spiritual transformation.
What initially seems impossible to the natural mind - giving thanks in every circumstance - becomes realized through the divine resources and heavenly perspective granted to those united with their Redeemer. Giving thanks in all situations glorifies God by displaying His infinite worth, love, power, and future purposes that are being worked out in the lives of His children. It proclaims to the world that this age's empty idols and temporal treasures are unworthy of ultimate allegiance. Only the True and Living God and the eternal inheritance awaiting believers in Christ merit ceaseless gratitude and thankful worship, no matter how difficult the circumstances.
May the Holy Spirit empower all in Christ to obey the inspired exhortation to "give thanks in all circumstances." In doing so, believers participate in the highest call to glorify God by expressing thankfulness to Him in anticipation of eternity - when every tongue will finally confess that He alone is worthy of eternal thanks and praise (Revelation 7:12).
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