⏱ 7 min read

• We end 1 Thessalonians today with an anointed word from Minister James Deke! You’ll be super blessed by this! 🤗📖
• We continue with 2 Thessalonians tomorrow on our 50 Days Quiet Time journey. (Why don’t you join in?)
• As iron sharpens iron, may we continue to sharpen one another with the Sword of the Spirit – the Word of God🔥

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)

• Have you ever had difficulties in thanking God when life seemed unfair or uncertain?
• When things go wrong, when prayers seem unanswered, doors close, or you face a loss, gratitude can feel unnatural.
• Yet, scripture challenges us to do exactly that.

The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Thessalonica, gives a simple but profound command: “In everything give thanks.”

The Will of God

Many Christians earnestly seek to know God’s will. We often ask, “Lord, what is Your will for my life?” or “How can I please You?” Apostle Paul gives us a clear answer:

Thanksgiving is one of the acts clearly stated in the scriptures as the will of God concerning believers, and we must actively engage in it (1 Thess 5:18).

• Thanksgiving, therefore, is not just an expression of gratitude; it is an act of obedience and worship that aligns us with the very heart of God.
• It is a divine instruction that transcends situations and seasons.
• Whether in abundance or lack, joy or sorrow, our posture should always be one of thanksgiving.
• It reflects trust in His goodness, even when we cannot trace His hand.

Thanksgiving in Pleasant Situations

It is natural to give thanks when things go well: when we receive that scholarship, land the dream job, buy a new car, build a home, or when prayers are answered just as we hoped.

In such moments, gratitude flows easily, and rightly so. The scriptures encourage us to respond to God’s goodness with thanksgiving:

“Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving and declare His works with rejoicing.” (Psalm 107:21–22)

Giving thanks to God is acknowledging that every blessing comes from Him, and this keeps pride far from us (James 1:17).

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. - James 1:17.

God delights in a thankful heart. In Luke 17:11–19, ten lepers were healed, but only one, a Samaritan, returned to thank Jesus. The Lord asked, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?” His response shows how important thanksgiving is to Him.

The thankful leper did not only receive healing but was made whole, restored completely. Thanksgiving has a way of completing what God starts in our lives.

Thanksgiving in Every Situation

• However, Apostle Paul admonishes us to give thanks “in everything.”
• This means that even in pain, disappointment, or uncertainty, our response must still be, “Thank You, Lord.”
• Such gratitude is not a denial of circumstances; it is an expression of faith.

It is a declaration that God is still good, still faithful, and still working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28

• When we give thanks in difficult situations, we demonstrate trust in our loving Father and His abilities.
• Thanksgiving is an expression of trust in God, irrespective of the situation, and it is a posture of humility.
• Thanksgiving shifts our focus from the problem to the Provider, from the chaos to the Christ who calms the storm.

Developing a Lifestyle of Gratitude

Thanksgiving is not meant to be a momentary reaction but a lifestyle, a rhythm of the believer’s heart. Thanksgiving is not a reaction to good times; it is a revelation of who God is. When we cultivate a habit of gratitude:

• We find joy even in small things.
• We become less anxious about the future.
• Our hearts become sensitive to God’s hand in every detail of our lives.

In developing a lifestyle of gratitude, don’t always wait for a seemingly right time to thank God, you can do it at anytime with few words like, “Thank you, Lord Jesus.”

Benefits of Thanksgiving

If thanksgiving is indeed the will of God for us, then it should carry some benefits.

1. Increase and fruitfulness: When you thank God for what you have, He multiplies it (divine increase). (Jeremiah 30:19-20; Psalm 67:5-7)
2. Deliverance from trouble: Thanksgiving provokes divine intervention. Paul and Silas praised God in prison, and their chains broke (Acts 16:24–26; Jonah 2:7–9)
3. Victory in battles: When Judah sent singers ahead of the army to give thanks, the Lord fought for them (2 Chronicles 20:21–26)

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. - Acts 16:25-26

4. Supernatural multiplication: Before feeding the five thousand, Jesus gave thanks, and what seemed insufficient became abundant (John 6:3–12).
5. Access to God’s presence: Thanksgiving ushers us into God’s presence (Psalm 100:4–5)

Enter with the password: “Thank you!” Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship him. For God is sheer beauty, all-generous in love, loyal always and ever. - Psalm 100:4-5 (MSG)

6. Humility and dependence on God: Thanksgiving reminds us that everything we are and have comes from Him (2 Corinthians 10:17, James 1:17)
7. Joy and Peace: A thankful heart overflows with joy and peace (Psalm 28:7; Philippians 4:6–7)

A Call to Give Thanks

Thanksgiving is not limited to a day or a season: it is a way of life for every believer. It is God’s will that we live in gratitude, not because life is always good, but because God always is.

When we thank Him in every circumstance, we proclaim our trust in His plan, our faith in His goodness, and our dependence on His grace.

So today, no matter what you’re facing, pause for a moment and thank God right where you are. You can just whisper, “Thank You, Lord Jesus.”
Your gratitude is not just a response; it’s a weapon, a seed, and an act of worship. – Minister James Deke

Hey, you're blessed and highly favoured and dearly loved! Do share your lessons from 1 Thessalonians 5. Remember to tag us and your friends on 📲:
☆ IG: @awg_devotional or @cfc_knust
☆ FB/X: @AWGDevotional