1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Dear Friends,
It is far easier to not give thanks, unless things are perfect and going according to our plan. But this is not what scripture tells us to do. This passage tells us to rejoice ALWAYS, to pray always and to give thanks in ALL circumstances, not FOR all circumstances—even when the job is not going well, finances are difficult or family problems arise. It is easier to complain and not give thanks and certainly not to think this may be God’s plan.
I have been working in this ministry field for almost 13 years, and something I’m excited about implementing this Thanksgiving in our Denver and Fort Collins shelters are large sheets of paper that read, “I am thankful for . . .” At my previous Mission, many people thought there would be nothing written, because how could those who seemingly have so little be thankful? How wrong they were. The sheets were filled with dozens and dozens of thankful praises, such as:
- “Waking up this morning”
- “A warm bed and good food”
- “I am thankful God is always watching over me”
- “My family, my friends and Jesus”
- “A coat in cold weather”
- “Being alive”
These made me ask myself the questions, “When was the last time I was thankful for a coat, a bed and waking up? Am I thankful in all circumstances or do I complain about what I don’t have or something not going my way?”
My faith has grown deeper and become more authentic because of the guests we serve. They understand better than I what it means to rejoice and to give thanks in ALL circumstances.
I look forward to sharing with you what our guests are thankful for this Thanksgiving season.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Grace and peace,
Dennis Van Kampen
President/CEO
This post is part of November’s Changing Lives Newsletter. This month, we’re sharing what meals represent to our program participants and guests in: A Meal of Meaning.
