REFERENCE BIBLE VERSE

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

OBJECTIVE

To learn how to cultivate a heart of thanksgiving especially during hard times

CONTENT

  • God wants us to have a heart of thanksgiving in all circumstances
    • The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, reminded believers to maintain an attitude of gratitude in all situations. This does not mean we ignore hardships, but rather, we approach them with a heart that seeks God’s purpose even more even in the midst of trials. Cultivating a heart of thanksgiving involves acknowledging God’s provision, recognizing His sovereignty, and expressing gratitude for His love and faithfulness. It’s about embracing a perspective that sees reasons to be thankful even amidst difficulties, trusting that God works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Our joy and gratitude can transcend the ups and downs of life when anchored in our unchanging God.
  • We can cultivate a heart of thanksgiving by focusing on God and surrounding ourselves with supportive friends
    • Focus on God: To cultivate a heart of thanksgiving, we must make intentional choices in our daily lives. Begin each day with prayer, expressing gratitude for the gift of life. When challenges arise, let us train our minds to seek God, knowing that His purposes are at work even in the midst of difficulties. 
    • Remembering God’s promises, such as His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23) and His presence with us (Hebrews 13:5), can help shift our perspective from difficulties to the assurance of God’s care and provision.
    • Spending time studying and meditating on Scripture can renew our minds and help us focus on eternal truths rather than temporary difficulties. Romans 15:4 reminds us that through the Scriptures, we find hope and encouragement.
    • Colossians 3:2 encourages believers to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things. Keeping an eternal perspective reminds us that our present sufferings are temporary compared to the glory that awaits us.
    • Community and Fellowship: Gratitude is a practice that flourishes in community. Surround yourself with fellow believers and supportive communities (Hebrews 10:24-25), encourage one another to count our blessings and share testimonies of God’s faithfulness. By creating an atmosphere of thanksgiving within our Christian community, we can become people who uplift and encourage others (and vice versa), and thus we can maintain a heart of thanksgiving during challenging times. 
 

REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTION

  • It’s easy to be thankful when all is going well, but how do you be thankful when things are not going your way? Share some of the ways you remind yourself to be thankful.
  • Recall a specific promise of God (or verse) that has brought you comfort during difficult times. How has trusting in God’s promises cultivated a heart of thanksgiving in your life?
 

REFERENCES