The Will of God
Rocket Science Not Required
Life often feels like a catacomb of complexity. Decisions, challenges, and uncertainties around every corner make us feel we will die in our quest for answers. The question, “What is God’s will for my life?” can feel daunting, almost like trying to solve an equation with too many variables. However, “God’s will” is often simpler than we think. It’s not about grand revelations with bright lights or complex strategies—sometimes, it’s as simple as giving thanks.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul writes:
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
In this tiny but powerful verse, we discover that
Gratitude isn’t just a nice gesture or something to do on Thanksgiving Day—it is the very will of God for us.
What if the answer was right before us in all our seeking for purpose and meaning? A simple, consistent act of thankfulness is not only pleasing to God, but it also brings profound change to our hearts and lives.
Gratitude: A Simple Yet Profound Act
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the power of gratitude is often overlooked! But even in difficult circumstances, giving thanks can have a transformative effect.
Gratitude shifts our focus. It redirects our attention from what’s wrong to what is right. It reframes our struggles and highlights the goodness that often goes unnoticed.
We might not always feel thankful for our challenges, but we can choose to be thankful in them.
When we begin to give thanks in all circumstances, we align ourselves with God’s will. It’s not about denying hardship but acknowledging God’s presence and goodness despite it. “In everything give thanks,” Paul writes again in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. In every situation, whether it’s a moment of triumph or a time of trial, we are invited to find a reason to be thankful.
The Power of Gratitude
The therapeutic benefits of gratitude are well-documented. Studies show that a regular practice of gratitude can improve mental health, reduce stress, and even boost physical health. When we consciously focus on what we have rather than what we lack, it cultivates a mindset of abundance. This new mindset doesn’t mean ignoring the difficult or painful parts of life, but it does mean choosing to see beyond them. A grateful heart seems to make life more gracious, more open to the goodness of God, and more connected to others.
It’s fascinating how God’s wisdom aligns with what modern psychology has uncovered. Giving thanks releases positive emotions, fosters resilience, and encourages peace. For example, Philippians 4:6-7 advises us,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Thanksgiving is not just a command but a pathway to peace. The act of giving thanks in the middle of anxiousness is an invitation for God’s peace to guard our hearts and minds.
Thanksgiving as a Lifestyle
Thanksgiving should not be confined to a once-a-year event, nor should it be seen as something merely for moments of happiness. We should practice “Thanks LIVING”!
God wants gratitude to be a lifestyle woven into the fabric of our daily lives.
When we cultivate a habit of thanksgiving, we open ourselves to God’s presence in the ordinary and extraordinary alike.
This shift in perspective changes everything. Instead of grumbling about the mundane, we begin to see the hand of God in every moment, big and small. We start to recognize that each day glistens with gifts from God—the breath in our lungs, the people in our lives, the beauty of creation, and even the challenges that help us grow.
Colossians 3:17 reminds us,
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Our gratitude becomes an act of worship, a way to honor God with our lives. The simple practice of saying “thank you” becomes a doorway to deeper communion with God and a more joyful, peaceful existence.
The will of God doesn’t always require a complex understanding of theology or a detailed map of our purpose in life. Sometimes, it’s as simple as choosing to give thanks. Gratitude aligns our hearts with God’s will and has the power to transform our lives. It’s not just an event on the calendar; it’s a daily choice—a practice that reorients our hearts, minds, and souls to the goodness of God, no matter our circumstances.
In this season of your life, take a moment to consider: What can you be thankful for today? How can you make Thanksgiving a lifestyle, not just a holiday?
The will of God is closer than you think.
While listening for a deep, reverberating voice that sounds like God, it might be hearing your own sincere voice say to someone who is least expecting it, “Thank you.” No, it’s not rocket science, it’s the “will of God”!