In All Circumstances
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:16-18 NIV)
These verses have taken on a whole new meaning in light of our country’s experiences over the past year. We’ve experienced a global pandemic, which has been especially bad in the United States. We’ve decried police violence against BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and sought to change the policies that perpetuate white supremacy.
Life as we know it has seen a great upheaval. People have lost jobs and been out of work for months. Many have lost friends or family to the coronavirus or to physical violence. There’s been much to lament and grieve. How can we possibly find reasons to give thanks, much less rejoice, amid so much pain and chaos? We definitely have cause to pray continuously.
I find myself caught in the tension of the now and the not yet. I’m heartened that so many people are choosing to fight for justice and equality among all people, but it hurts to see how far we are from actually achieving that goal. Yes, people are outraged at injustice, at the higher rates of death for BIPOC from the coronavirus, maternal mortality, and police violence, but it hasn’t translated into greater accountability or action items to reduce these statistics. While it’s important that these incidents come to light in society as a whole, it’s also disheartening to see just how oppressed and marginalized BIPOC are in a country that touts liberty and justice for all.
Rejoice Always
It seems flippant to try to find something to be joyful about when so many people are hurting. Where’s the joy in millions of people being out of work, hundreds of thousands of people dying from the coronavirus, and people being murdered while their assailants remain free?
But what if we’re meant to experience joy even in the midst of such suffering?
“But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1 Pet. 4:13 NIV). We’re called to think of Christ’s suffering on our behalf as well as his example of suffering for being faithful. Christ didn’t sin but still endured many painful things, even death. When we’re suffering as a result of doing good, perhaps by speaking up and protesting against injustice, then we’re able to rejoice that we are worthy of suffering like our Savior. We can find joy in knowing Jesus understands our suffering and is with us in it.
Pray Continually
Times of hardship are when we most often find ourselves on our knees in prayer. When we reach our limits, we more readily acknowledge our need for divine help. This year of suffering and turmoil has propelled many of us toward God seeking answers, justice, meaning, and purpose in the pain. We’re reminded of our inadequacy. We know we can’t bring about the necessary change on our own. We also know that God has wisdom and resources for us. From him we can receive strength, the ability to remain faithful and engaged, and action steps to press forward.
Give Thanks in All Circumstances
Giving thanks may be the hardest part of all. How can we be thankful when we or those we love are hurting? How can we be thankful in view of the hate and racism that’s so pervasive in our country? How can we be thankful when people are struggling to pay rent, buy food, or afford medical care? And yet the command specifically says all circumstances, the good and the bad.
This is only possible in Christ. We know that God is with us at all times and can bring good out of evil. We must trust that God is working to bring about justice for all people. We must believe that God will restore health and jobs. We must hope that true equality for all people is on the horizon and will be a reality in the future. We can give thanks that God is in control. We can be thankful that these issues are being brought out of darkness and into the light. We can be thankful there are people who are showing us the way forward and providing us with opportunities to join the fight and stand up against injustice.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9 NIV).
Father, thank you for the reminder that you’re working behind the scenes and have parts for each of us to play in seeking justice for all people. Show us how to rejoice, pray, and give thanks at all times and in all seasons. Help us to find strength and wisdom in you. Teach us how to rejoice in our suffering and love well. Thank you for inviting us to participate in your story of love, redemption, and justice for all people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture for Reflection
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8 NIV)
“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” (Ps. 107:8-9 NIV)
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Rom. 12:12 ESV)
Reach for More
Have you been struggling to give thanks in the current environment? Consider confiding in a trusted friend about your feelings and praying together for God’s wisdom and guidance. Find one thing each day to thank God for in the world or in your life.
is a mother of two who loves reading, writing, traveling, and introverting. When she’s not at a class at the gym, she can either be found perusing used book stores for great deals or exploring her new town of Asheville, NC. She is the author of Between Us Girls and can be found chronicling her reading journey @meganbyrdreads on Instagram or writing about life at meganbyrd.net.
Photograph © Raychan, used with permission
