"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thess. 5:18, ESV).

Christians are instructed to "be thankful" (Col. 3:15), as well as "giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph. 5:20). But to give thanks in ALL circumstances? Of course, it is not difficult to give thanks to God when things are going well in life. However, when things are not going well, then it is not so easy to do so. In fact, giving thanks and praise may not even enter our minds at such times. But our heavenly Father wants His children to possess a heart of gratitude at all times, in all circumstances. After all, "this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

I am reminded of those in the Scripture that continued to give thanks and praise to God in the midst of tremendous hardships and even heartaches. Individuals of great faith such as Job, David, Jeremiah, Paul, and of course Jesus Christ. And I am reminded of faithful saints today who continue to give thanks and praise to God in spite of their disease, chronic illness, loss, betrayal, and various other trials. I am truly thankful for brethren past and present who remind me in a very powerful and memorable way to "give thanks in all circumstances."

As we sometimes sing, "When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost. Count your many blessings! Name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done."