Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I love that it is an American holiday that focuses on thankfulness. Many people in our country will be pausing to be thankful. As Christians, we have been given the charge to not just be thankful once a year, but to continually give thanks. 

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT).

When I read this verse, I have mixed feelings. How can I always be joyful? Never stop praying? Be thankful in all circumstances? Can we do all these things

First, always be joyful. This is not saying that we must always be happy. We should not confuse happiness with joy. Joy comes from knowing that our God reigns! “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28 NLT). If you are a follower of Jesus, you have this assurance. He will accomplish His work in our lives and it will be good.

Second, never stop praying. Does this mean we must pray 24/7? No. It does mean we should continue to pray. Prayer is having a conversation with God. Prayer includes asking God for His help and guidance, but that’s not all. Prayer is building a relationship with Him. Like any relationship, we must continue to have conversations if we want the relationship to continue. Our relationship with God is our most important one. So, keep praying! 

Third, be thankful in all circumstances. For a long time I thought this read, be thankful for all circumstances. I could not wrap my head around thanking him for the hardships in my life. But this verse says to be thankful in the circumstances. Whatever we are going through, we can still be thankful for God working in and through us. 

We can fulfill the Word of the Lord when we are joyful and continue in prayer. Spurgeon says, “When joy and prayer are married, their firstborn child is gratitude.” 

Let us be the people God has called us to be and “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever” (Psalms 107:1 NLT).