April 18th, 2026
by Dr. Ron Harvey
by Dr. Ron Harvey
“In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
I suppose the most challenging part of this verse from the apostle Paul is found in the words, “In everything.” This suggests even in the worst of things there are some things for which we should be thankful. This means, even in bad things, we are to look for a “Silver Lining” – some evidence of God’s blessings.
We may be tempted to protest these words…Did Paul know what he was asking us to do? If he only knew what I am going through? You may even be thinking: Yeah, maybe easy for Paul to say. Really? Keep in mind Paul was writing to Thessalonica, and in the book of Acts we learn on Paul’s missionary journey to this city he was run out of town for his preaching, actually had to sneak out of town at night. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-33 we read that Paul had been imprisoned, beaten, stoned, flogged, and in danger repeatedly. Yet, he said, “Give thanks in everything…” (v.18). Also, remember in Acts 16, he is singing songs in jail at midnight.
Furthermore, Paul is not the only biblical writer who practiced this type of radical thanksgiving. Job lost everything and yet he still found reasons for which to praise God. Contrastingly, the ten lepers in the New Testament gained everything but still did not find reasons to praise the Lord (except one). As for us, we are challenged to look for reasons to praise God not only in the best of times but also in bad times.
Paul adds these words, “…For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This is to say: we are not in God’s will if we do not have a heart that wills to give thanks to God.
Therefore, we must learn to give thanks in all circumstances of life—not only in the best of times but in bad times. When we do, not only will God be honored by it but also He will draw near to us in it. Moreover, it will help to lift us up above it. The Bible teaches that God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3) and it is in His presence we find strength to overcome. When we raise our praise to Him, our praise will raise us up through Him. It’s true! Thanksgiving and praise has its ways of lifting us above our problems and enabling us to find solutions. So expect good things in everything, and for that, we can give thanks!
Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron
I suppose the most challenging part of this verse from the apostle Paul is found in the words, “In everything.” This suggests even in the worst of things there are some things for which we should be thankful. This means, even in bad things, we are to look for a “Silver Lining” – some evidence of God’s blessings.
We may be tempted to protest these words…Did Paul know what he was asking us to do? If he only knew what I am going through? You may even be thinking: Yeah, maybe easy for Paul to say. Really? Keep in mind Paul was writing to Thessalonica, and in the book of Acts we learn on Paul’s missionary journey to this city he was run out of town for his preaching, actually had to sneak out of town at night. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-33 we read that Paul had been imprisoned, beaten, stoned, flogged, and in danger repeatedly. Yet, he said, “Give thanks in everything…” (v.18). Also, remember in Acts 16, he is singing songs in jail at midnight.
Furthermore, Paul is not the only biblical writer who practiced this type of radical thanksgiving. Job lost everything and yet he still found reasons for which to praise God. Contrastingly, the ten lepers in the New Testament gained everything but still did not find reasons to praise the Lord (except one). As for us, we are challenged to look for reasons to praise God not only in the best of times but also in bad times.
Paul adds these words, “…For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This is to say: we are not in God’s will if we do not have a heart that wills to give thanks to God.
Therefore, we must learn to give thanks in all circumstances of life—not only in the best of times but in bad times. When we do, not only will God be honored by it but also He will draw near to us in it. Moreover, it will help to lift us up above it. The Bible teaches that God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3) and it is in His presence we find strength to overcome. When we raise our praise to Him, our praise will raise us up through Him. It’s true! Thanksgiving and praise has its ways of lifting us above our problems and enabling us to find solutions. So expect good things in everything, and for that, we can give thanks!
Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron
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