Chaplain's Corner
Mark Shogren
November 2025
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
The Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians encouraged his audience to give thanks in everything. This short but powerful verse encapsulates the notion of expressing thankfulness to God in all circumstances. Throughout Scripture there are numerous passages that command us to be thankful, for example, Psalm 107:1 “Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endures forever”. When Paul instructs the Thessalonians to give thanks in everything, it’s important to note that he is not suggesting that all things are wonderful all the time. Life is full of difficulties and challenges, and it can be hard to see at times “the light at the end of the tunnel”. God is ever present. He is constantly working in every situation to bring a result according to His sovereign will, Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose”. By adopting an attitude of thankfulness, we can better align ourselves with God’s purpose, recognizing the blessings and lessons in every experience. Gratitude is a transformative attitude that shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering contentment and humility in our hearts. However, in some circumstances, when we face real adversity, it’s easy to feel alone or abandoned. Paul reminds us that we are never alone, God is ever present, and His will is for us to have a grateful heart. We are told to rejoice in our suffering because suffering produces perseverance, and perseverance develops tested character, James 1:2-3 “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance”. When we are tested it deepens our faith in Jesus Christ, and promotes hope; and God’s kind of hope never disappoints. In Romans 8:18 it states, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” We are also told in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to, “Pray without ceasing”. This calls for a perpetual attitude of prayer. Through prayer, we can strengthen our relationship with God, seek His guidance, and find peace in His presence especially during those difficult times.
In conclusion, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 carries a powerful message about the importance of being thankful in the life of a believer. It challenges us to develop a spirit of gratitude in all circumstances even when we do not fully understand His purposes. Ultimately, it reminds us that being thankful is not just a feeling, but a deliberate choice we make that reflects our faith and trust in God’s sovereign Will!
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