Circumstance

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

On this day before Palm Sunday, today’s passage from the Daily Texts convicts and comforts me. It convicts me because I confess that my first response to challenge, disappointment, or difficulty is not typically thankfulness. Hardship is, well, hard. But it comforts me because these words are not ultimately a demand, nor are they primarily about me.

We can give thanks in all circumstances because Jesus Christ has joined himself to us, and in him we are joined forever to God. The point is not that we should be thankful for every circumstance. Some circumstances are horrible. No, the point is that we can be thankful in every circumstance because nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Thanks be to God.

I’m thankful today for a little extra time with my family over the past few days of spring break. And I’m thankful for the card in the picture, made for me by Torsten on behalf of the First Grade class at Grace a few weeks ago. It reads, “Dear Pastor Lyle, thank you for teaching us about the God and Jesus and other people in the Bible.” You’ll note his artistic accuracy. The kids all have hair. I do not. Still, I give thanks!

Be well, friends. You are loved.

Thank you, God, for being with us in all things. Be with us as we journey through Holy Week, giving thanks for all that Jesus has done for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: Torsten’s card.