1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

"Grandma, this isn't good," my seven-year-old grandson complained at breakfast during a recent visit. Before I could answer him, or discover why he was complaining, I overheard his older sister say, "Eat it and stop complaining." Then, with a sigh, she added words of wisdom beyond her tender years, "Just be thankful you have food to eat!"

"Just be thankful." Today's Scripture encourages us to be thankful in all circumstances, but I will admit that I haven't always found this direction easy to obey. On closer examination of the verse, however, I noticed that the instruction to give thanks comes after the instruction to pray continually. By following the Bible's directions more closely, by praying continually, we, God's children, are obedient to God's will for our lives. I believe that being obedient in prayer will help us fulfill not only the instruction to give thanks but also the first part of the verse, which reads, "Be joyful always."

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, while we are walking about in our spiritual desert, it is so easy to complain. Help us to spend more time in prayer, so that we will have a more thankful attitude, and be able to express the joy that comes to us only when we know You personally. Amen.

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About the author:

Elaine Ingalls Hogg <authorhogg@yahoo.ca>
Smiths Creek, New Brunswick, Canada
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