In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

First Thessalonians 5:18 commands us to be thankful in everything; it doesn’t say be thankful for everything. There is a distinct difference. When things go wrong, we are to give thanks to God in the midst of the trouble.

Even if all your worldly efforts and pursuits fail and you’re in the worst season of your life, you can and must still praise God for all He has done. You may not be able to praise God for your circumstances, but you can praise God in those circumstances because He is with you.

Job praised God even at the lowest point of his life. King Jehoshaphat was terrified of an approaching enemy. Yet he commanded the people to praise God, and God saved them.

When you give thanks, you are in God’s will. He puts everything together in His time and His will.

When you give thanks, you are in God's will. Click To Tweet

Give Him thanks every day for the way He works in your life. He has a purpose for the pain. Hang in there. He’s got it.

Check out more from Dr. Tony Evans @Tonyevans.org

About The Author

Dr. Tony Evans

Dr. Tony Evans is one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles. As a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, he serves the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths through simple, yet profound, illustrations. While addressing the practical issues of today, Dr. Evans is known as a relevant expositor. New and veteran pastors alike regard him as a pastor of pastors and a father in the faith.


At the heart of this vision is the use of church and school partnerships to effect spiritual and social change in communities. Dr. Evans’ church and school outreach philosophy has been attributed as a catalyst for former President George W. Bush’s Faith Based Initiative, which was his first formal act of office. Dr. Evans seeks to train churches, schools and volunteers in this philosophy, as well as in the functional practicalities, through the National Church Adopt-A-School Initiative which is a ministry underneath the umbrella of The Urban Alternative.


Dr. Evans serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and the application of the Word of God. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on more than 850 radio outlets throughout the United States and in more than 80 countries.


Dr. Evans has written numerous books and booklets including his legacy work, Oneness Embraced, as well as his vision work, The Kingdom Agenda. Some of his most recent books includes, Kingdom Man, A Moment For Your Soul, Marriage Matters, and Victory in Spiritual Warfare.



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