Life's Inanities and Ironies

 “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”   — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ( NKJV ) We live in a complaining culture. Social media feeds are filled with grievances, news cycles thrive on outrage, and even many Christians find it easier to grumble than to give thanks when life gets hard. Yet the Holy Spirit , through the Apostle Paul , issues a crystal-clear, non-negotiable command: in everything give thanks. Notice the little word “in.” Not “for” everything (though sometimes we can get there by grace), but **in** everything. In the diagnosis and in the healing. In the layoff and in the provision. In the prodigal’s rebellion and in the homecoming. In the coffin and in the empty tomb. This is not positive thinking . This is not “fake it till you make it.” This is the revealed will of God for every born-again believer. If you have ever wondered, “Lord, what is Your will for my life?”—here is one thing you never have to pray about again. God...

Today, we gather to reflect on a simple yet profound verse from Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus " (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Paul wrote these words to a young church, encouraging them to live in a way that pleases God. As part of his final instructions, he offers this call to gratitude—not just in moments of joy, but in all circumstances. What does this mean for us today? How can we live out this command in our own lives? Let’s explore this together. What Does It Mean to Give Thanks in All Circumstances? First, let’s unpack the verse. To "give thanks in all circumstances" doesn’t mean we have to be grateful for every hardship—like sickness, loss, or pain. Instead, it’s about maintaining a heart of gratitude toward God no matter what we’re facing. It’s an act of faith, trusting that God is good, that He is in control, and that He is with us even in the darkest times. This kind of...