The will of God was exhibited in Christ Jesus. He who would ascertain God’s will for his own life should study the life of Jesus and there perceive the supreme illustration of what God intends the Christian to be. Nowhere will there be found a more consistent pattern of happiness, prayerfulness, and gratitude than in the life of Jesus of Nazareth.
The will of God.
God is concerned with the whole life of His children, but He feels especial concern for their spiritual health. He wishes Christians to be happy, prayerful, and thankful. Our failure to cultivate these traits represents a failure to fulfill the divine will.
For this.
These words may include not only the giving of thanks but also the continual rejoicing and prayer (vs. 16, 17).
In every thing.
That is, under all circumstances, whether of joy or sorrow (cf. on Phil. 4:6; Col. 4:2). Here we have definite assurance that even those things which appear to be against us may work out for our good; for God would not ask us to be thankful for that which would harm us (MH 255). Daniel gave thanks when he knew of the decree designed to take away his life (see Dan. 6:10). Paul himself has left a striking example of being thankful under the most adverse circumstances (see Acts 27:20, 35). Thanksgiving should be the Christian’s rule; health and joy are promoted by it (MH 251).