Feeling Grateful?

“Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

This verse in I Thessalonians reminds us that gratitude that changes how we speak is rooted in God's promise.

“Bless the LORD, O my soul; all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds—”

In Psalms, giving thanks in every season is addressed to people in the middle of ordinary life rather than to specialists.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.”

The way Colossians handles gratitude that changes how we speak shows what the author expected his readers to do with it.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.”

What James does with giving thanks in every season is best seen by reading the whole chapter rather than the single line.

“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.”

Psalms treats gratitude that changes how we speak as something its first readers had to work out rather than something handed to them ready-made.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Philippians assumes giving thanks in every season and shows what it looks like in practice.