Gratitude

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says:

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Lately I have found that when it comes to being thankful, I am better at thanking God for things I like than for things I don’t like. I don’t think it’s just me, either. Lots of people I meet with seem to feel the same way. In fact, the more I think about this verse that tells me to “…give thanks in ALL circumstances…” it strikes me just how opposite that is from my natural tendency to complain, get angry, or indulge in self-pity.
I notice that this verse instructs me to do three things:

Always rejoice

Never stop praying

Thank God for everything

I think I’ll try something new this week. Whenever I feel tempted to whine, complain, or feel sorry for myself, I’ll do what this verse says instead.

Will you join me?