Thanks: The Highest Form of Thought

Rejoice always, pray constantly, 

give thanks in everything; 

for this is the will of God 

for you in Christ Jesus

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

So often we cry that we don't know

the will of God for our lives.

When in doubt, go with the Word.

Joy, prayer, thanksgiving are the will of God.

No matter what.

Always. Constantly.

In Everything.

We try to figure out if we are 

in or out of the will of God

in the big things in life.

But we can fail everyday

in the "small" things.

When we are anxious, 

down, or ungrateful

in the now moments of our lives, 

we are out of the will of God.

Does it have to say always, 

without ceasing

 and in everything?

I would more prefer: when possible, 

whenever you can see something 

to be grateful for, when you wake up

on the right side of the bed.

"Give thanks in everything"

is definitely something I need some help with.

Lord, You want gratefulness in everything--

not just the obligatory "thank You for all things"

type of gratefulness.

But the deep heartfelt gratitude for specifics

that shape my view of Your goodness. 

Do I see You as good because I am grateful

or am I grateful because I see You as good?

Yes.

It is conflicting to say I want 

Your will for my life

but not live in gratitude for what 

You have given me

right now, this moment.

One of my favorite writers, 

G.K. Chesterton, says:

I would maintain that thanks 

are the highest form of thought, 

and that gratitude is happiness 

doubled by wonder. 

Amen.