being thankful anyway

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

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We can be challenged by the circumstances we face.  What are circumstances?  These are the things happening all around our lives (literally: the conditions that 'stand around' us).  You can read the verse above two ways.  One way means to "Give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you face because those circumstances are God's will for you", and so be thankful for God's will playing out in your life.

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The other way is to put a wall between circumstances and our attitude towards God.  It says that we should "Give thanks, no matter what, because being thankful and celebrating our relationship with the living God surpasses any circumstances."

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I prefer the second interpretation.  Circumstances can be huge in our lives but (a) they will pass and (b) we will walk through those with God.  Being thankful to God regardless, or independent of, circumstance is consistent with the eternal relationship we have that will never pass away.  Consider this passage from Romans:

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Romans 8:38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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We shouldn't be dominated by circumstances when are held by the rock of ages.

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blessings,

Rob Smith

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"Death is inevitable.  Life is a choice!"

John 11:25

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live."