5:18

1 Thessalonians 5:18


No matter what happens,
always be thankful,
for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
(NLT, 1st ed.)


In every thing give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (KJ21)


Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. (Amplified, classic)


Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus. (ERV)


give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (ESV)


Be thankful, whatever the circumstances may be. If you follow this advice you will be working out the will of God expressed to you in Jesus Christ. (J B Phillips)


thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. (The Message)


give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)


give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. (This is God’s will for all of you in Jesus the Anointed.) (The Voice)



Sometimes, words fail me.

This verse started sticking in my thinking & spirit since December 23, 2009.

Every time I read it, it feels like God pokes me in the eye with it.

Most of the time since that morning it's been hard to live out.

And yet, He still pokes me with it.

Maybe because I'm not thankful, no matter what happens?

Or are there other lessons to be learned?

Sometimes it's hard to keep from being mad or resentful at the things that happen.

Sometimes it's just as hard to be thankful when nothing happens.

And sometimes being clueless about the whole thing is the most maddening part.

And yet, I keep on...