Sunday Musings | Paul, A Prisoner

Have you ever thought about the fact that many of the Apostle Paul’s letters were written while he was in prison, yet they contain numerous reminders to give thanks, be joyful, and love others. In Acts 27:35, he gave thanks in the tempest before a shipwreck, and in Acts 28:15, he thanked God when they arrived in Rome … and, yes, in both of those instances he was a prisoner!

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, the words joy and rejoice appear numerous times, once again despite the fact that he was a prisoner (awaiting a trial that could end his life). In fact, he wrote in chapter 4, verse 11, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.”

And finally, it was Paul who wrote the scripture we’re focusing on today as he exhorted the Thessalonians to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

We may never find ourselves locked in a prison cell, but I’m sure we can all relate to the feeling of being stuck in circumstances that we do not like or understand. It’s in these times that we most need to remember the admonition in 1 Thessalonias 5:18!
 

In everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
 

Sometimes it's hard to follow the direction in this scripture. There are times in life when it seems we have nothing to give thanks for; however, the scripture doesn't say give thanks for the things you like, it says in everything give thanks.

What are you giving thanks for today?