The Bible tells us to  “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

To count it all joy (James 1:2-4)

Joy is not the absence of suffering and pain we all experience in this life, but knowing that this life is but a temporary home.

By doing God’s will and keeping Jesus’s commandments, we lay up treasure in Heaven for ourselves, giving those in Christ complete confidence that Heaven is our Forever Home. It does not teach salvation by works; rather, it describes the life of those already “in Christ.” (see Matthew 6:19–20, John 14:15) This gives us a peace beyond understanding which belongs to those who remain in Christ.

May we always be thankful and count it all joy. “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15).

  • Revelation 3:8-11, .Romans 8:18; Romans 8:28; John 16:33; Hebrews 13:14; 2 Corinthians 5:1; 1 Peter 1:3–7; Colossians 3:1–4; Philippians 4:4–7; Hebrews 11:13–16; 2 Corinthians 4:16–18; Revelation 21:3–4; Matthew 6:19–21; John 14:1–3, 15; Galatians 6:9; 1 Peter 3:15.

God First!