“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

What a difference a preposition makes! As Paul wrote to the people of Thessalonica, he encouraged them to be grateful in all things. He did not say to give thanks for all circumstances.

Each one of us experiences difficult times.  Some of us will face pain in dysfunctional families or loneliness or some other painful circumstances.

On Sunday, I heard another devastating example of how some close friends now face the future with a great deal of uncertainty. They have questions of how and why as they consider the days and weeks and months and years ahead without the security of financial stability.

It’s overwhelming at times, isn’t it? I remember hearing someone speak on Habakkuk’s encouraging response to life circumstances.

17 Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:17,18

If the economy fails or if my health declines of if those closest to me turn away from God, I can choose to be grateful and rejoice in the LORD.
Today, let us look for how we can be grateful in our circumstances.