What’s God’s Will for your life?

We all want to know God’s will for our lives. Figuring that out, if there is something specific that God wants me to do, is often difficult. Scripture tells us some specific things that we can do and know that we are doing God’s will.

In 1 Thess 5:18: “In everything, give thanks, for this is God’s will in Christ Jesus for you.” Everything, Paul?

In everything, not for everything

Notice that Paul doesn’t say, “Give thanks for everything.” I’ve heard people teach that, but it is not in the Bible, and it leads to giving thanks to God for things that are contrary to his will.

I don’t have to give thanks for a flat tire on my bike, or being laid off, or some medical condition that resists everything doctors have tried. However, I can give thanks in everything.

I once led a workshop of praying Scripture to refresh and deepen one’s prayers. I talked about thanksgiving and asked participants to write down ten things that they are thankful for. One participant called out, “Ten things?”

That is not as hard as you might think. I practice this with very small things. In the morning, I’m thankful for almost instant-on hot water, soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Countless people before us and many now around the world don’t have any of these benefits. I get them and therefore, I give thanks.

Some Things to Give Thanks for

A supportive spouse or significant other

A good friend

Being able to drive (I can’t because of my eyesight)

Having a car

I am blessed with great co-workers, and I regularly give thanks for them. Giving thanks is God’s will. I am thankful for my Trek Madone road bike.

Four times In the short letter by Paul to the Colossians, he tells them to give thanks. I leave it to the reader to find them. In this one area of our lives, we can fulfill God’s will for us without straining to figure out what it is that God wants us to do.