At magpasalamat kayo sa Diyos sa lahat ng pagkakataon; sapagkat ito ang kalooban ng Diyos para sa inyo sa inyong pakikipag-isa kay Cristo Jesus.

1 Mga Taga-Tesalonica 5:18

It is easy to thank God when things are going our way. It feels good to praise the Lord when there is a job promotion, a successful surgery, or good news. But what we don’t usually hear about are people thanking God kapag nalaman nilang meron silang sakit or when they are losing their job after serving a company for many years.

We are humans after all, at natural na mahirap ang magpasalamat para sa isang masakit na pangyayari sa buhay natin. But why does the Bible encourage us to thank God at all times? Wala bang compassion ang Panginoon para i-require tayo to do something contrary and unnatural especially when we’re in pain? No. Actually, it’s the opposite. 

Paul encourages us to rejoice always, pray unceasingly, and give thanks in all circumstances because this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18). Hindi gusto ng Panginoon na mabuhay tayong nagrereklamo at disappointed. In the Lord’s wisdom, mas gusto Niya na lumapit tayo at magtiwala sa Kanya sa gitna ng mga pagsubok. God wants to mold in us a trusting heart, not a grumbling heart without peace. 

Scientifically, gratitude alters our brain and helps decrease depression and anxiety. Spiritually, it shifts our perspective at mas nakikita natin ang ginagawa ng Diyos amidst our painful experiences. Kapag nagpapasalamat tayo, idini-declare rin natin na God is sovereign, and He is in control of our situation.

God is good, and He will never change. May we find a lot of reasons to thank God no matter the circumstances.