Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16-18

While we know it is God’s will for us, most of us would agree that sustaining a thankful spirit in all circumstances is not easy. Here are two reasons why we struggle:

1. Faulty theology—idolatry.

Many of us have been taught a form of Old Testament theology that is well-intended, but out of date in the age of the New Covenant. Let’s call it “A then B” theology. This theology teaches that if we do “A,” then God will do “B.” Here’s an example: If I attend church regularly, give my tithe, obey the Ten Commandments, and pray regularly, God will give me the blessings I want.

That statement sounds right. But because it reflects the pattern of a Covenant that is no longer in effect, the difficult circumstances we face in life leave us feeling disappointed toward God. Let’s face it; life isn’t fair. Sometimes it is downright unfair. Instead of worshiping God because He is the Almighty Creator and Sustainer of Life to Whom we owe thanksgiving for every breath we breathe and every beat of our hearts, we use Him like a lucky charm or an idol just to get what we want. Our idolatry makes it appear that God doesn’t always keep up His end of the deal. Have you experienced times when you believe you have done your part, but the blessing you wanted didn’t materialize? Did that leave you frustrated? Even angry? On more than one occasion, I have said to God, “Really? Is this the thanks I get for obeying you and doing the right thing?”

Actually, God is not the problem; the equation is the problem. The correct New Covenant equation is this: God has already done “A,” and in response, it is my blessed privilege and honor to do “B.” Here’s the same statement built on the correct theological equation: God has already blessed me in ways that are above and beyond what I could ever ask or even imagine. In response to His bountiful love, generosity, and grace poured out on me through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit; it is my honor and privilege to worship and serve Him regardless of life’s circumstances.

When we get our theology right, disappointment evaporates, and we are set free to be thankful in all circumstances! Read Philippians 3 and 4 to discover the secret of being content in any and every circumstance. I’ll give you a hint, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” All things includes giving thanks in all circumstances – even the tough stuff.

2. Selfishness—Narcissism.

In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a very handsome hunter, so handsome, that everyone who saw him fell for him. One day while hunting, a girl named Echo saw him and fell hard for him. She tried to hug him, but he pushed her away and told her to leave him alone. When Nemesis, the goddess of retribution and revenge, heard about what Narcissus had done, she decided to punish him. She led him to a pool of water where he saw his reflection and fell in love with it. When he discovered that the reflection wasn’t real and his love could never materialize, he fell into despair and ended his own life.

Narcissists are people who believe life is about them, that the world revolves around them. They tend to have inflated egos, but will usually camouflage it under feigned humility—further enhancing their focus on self. They pursue materialism and hedonism in an effort to demonstrate their prowess and sophistication to others.

Because they are always aware of people who have and do more, they are never satisfied, or content Proverbs 27:20 says, “Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are human eyes.” They compare upwardly and exhibit disregard or even disdain for anyone they perceive as being below them. Even when they do appear to be generous or kind, their actions are self-promoting or guilt soothing. Somehow, it’s always about them.

For Narcissists, the road always leads back to self. And like Narcissus, they discover that their love for self can never materialize and that materialism and hedonism are deceptively empty reflections. They become victims who whine and complain about everything and everybody and constantly introduce drama into their relationships—successfully keeping the focus squarely on themselves.

We are all vulnerable to Narcissism. It is why Jesus called on us to take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23). Philippians 2 was likely a hymn sung by the early church to remind them of what it means to follow Jesus Christ into selfless servanthood. In Philippians 4:4-7, Paul declares, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, presents your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” In Philippians 4:11, Paul writes, “I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances.”

Rejoice in the Lord always. Give thanks and be content in all circumstances. When we get our theology straight and forsake our selfish and Narcissistic ways, we can truly rejoice and be thankful through Jesus Christ Who gives us strength! And when we are thankful, God pours out on us the most precious blessing of all: the peace of God, which transcends all understanding. That is God’s promise to us, regardless of the circumstances, life throws our way.