1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In Every Thing Give Thanks!

1Th.5:18: In Every Thing Give Thanks!

1 Th 5:18 (KJV)  In every thing give thanks: for this is the 
will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 

Paul was not teaching that we should thank God 'for' everything 
that happens to us, but 'in' everything. Evil does not come from God, 
so we should not thank him for it. But when evil strikes, we can 
still be thankful for God's presence and for the good that he will 
accomplish through the distress..  [Life Application SB] 

Here we have definite assurance that even those things which 
appear to be against us may work out for our good; for God would not 
ask us to be thankful for that which would harm us. [SDA 
Commentary] 

A truly religious life is a life of constant joy. And we should 
rejoice more, if we prayed more. Prayer will help forward all lawful 
business, and every good work. If we pray without ceasing, we shall not 
want of matter for thanksgiving in every thing. [Matthew Henry 
Commentary] 

There is always something for which to give thanks; even on the 
darkest day there are blessings to count. We must remember that if we 
face the sun the shadows will fall behind us but if we turn our backs 
on the sun all the shadows will be in front. [Barclay Commentary] 

The Christian who walks with the Lord and keeps in constant 
communion with Him will see many reasons for rejoicing and thanksgiving 
all day long. [Wiersbe Expository Outlines] 

Make rejoicing and prayer, habits of life, and you will be able 
to give thanks in everything.  [In His Time; Walk With Wisdom] 

Christian joy is not dampened by affliction or other harsh 
circumstances, because it is rooted in one's unassailable relationship to God. 
In fact, joy may thrive in tribulation when a believer discerns the 
glorious purposes of God. Such joy is not self-generated but is the 
Spirit's fruit. [Wycliffe Bible Commentary] 

God has given us His Spirit, who acts like a power generator 
within us.  Galatians tells us that we have access to love and joy 
through God's Spirit in us.  For the person who knows Jesus Christ as 
Savior and Lord, there is always access to joy, and so Paul can write, 
"Rejoice always."  This rejoicing does not come from positive thinking, 
neither is it a mindless act. It comes from the Holy Spirit indwelling 
the believer.  We need to make choosing that joy a habit.  With joy 
comes the ability to pray in such a manner as to give thanks in all 
things.  This may begin as a discipline.  But as we grow in our walk 
with the Lord, we understand that indeed we can give thanks, because 
our God's economy is perfect, and not an experience in life is 
wasted. Today you can begin a new habit of asking for, and experiencing 
God's joy. It's already there for the asking!  [In His Time; Walk With 
Wisdom]