Be All About IN

Sometimes we put the em-PHA-sis on the wrong syl-LA-ble, and on occasion, that happens when reading the Bible. Seemingly insignificant words get overlooked, or we focus on other words, leaving us lacking in understanding, masters of misinterpretation, or weak in application. Yet, no word of God is insignificant.

For instance, I have always read 1 Thessalonians 5:18 as “In EVERYTHING give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  My focus was on the word everything, and not even “every thing” as it is written. While those two words are important, the word IN has been overlooked. This verse does not say FOR every thing give thanks. Quite honestly, being thankful FOR cancer, FOR loss, FOR struggles seems nearly impossible. The verse also does not indicate BECAUSE of every thing give thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says IN every thing give thanks.

IN the trenches of motherhood, give thanks for something.

IN the bumper to bumper traffic, give thanks for something.

IN the smooth sailing health days, give thanks for something.

IN the recognition, bonuses, and pay raise days, give thanks for something.

IN the lonely days, give thanks for something.

IN the stressful moments, give thanks for something.

IN the unexpected change of plans moments, give thanks for something.

IN the strained relationships, give thanks for something.

IN the waiting, give thanks for something…and so on.

As we concentrate and choose to be all about IN, then maybe we’ll begin to notice that our every circumstance - our EVERY THING is being blanketed in thanks.