Life Church
Life Church

Weekly Family Devotional

Thanks In All Things

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Read Together

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

Rejoice always, [17] pray without ceasing, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Talk About It

These three short verses are packed with big instructions! Paul wrote these words to a church going through really tough times. Even when things were hard, he encouraged them—and us—to always look for reasons to be glad, to talk to God all the time, and to be thankful no matter what is happening. That sounds difficult, doesn’t it? But Paul knew that when we turn to Jesus, even when life is hard, God gives us special strength, joy, and peace through His Spirit. Being joyful and thankful doesn’t mean pretending you’re happy or ignoring your sad feelings. It means trusting that God is working, even when we can’t see it. Like the Thessalonians, we can help each other, pray often, and pay attention to the ways God has blessed us. When we look for God’s goodness and say “thank you” in every situation, our hearts grow stronger and more joyful—even when things are tough. God wants us to stay close to Him, and He promises to help us!

For Parents to Explain

Dear God, thank you for loving us and giving us joy, even when things are hard. Help us remember to talk to you and be thankful every day. Amen.

Family Activities

Joy Jar

  1. Find a jar and some small slips of paper.
  2. Each evening, everyone writes or draws one thing from the day they are thankful for, even if it was small or happened during a hard moment.
  3. Put the slips in the jar.
  4. At the end of the week, gather and read each note aloud, thanking God for every good thing He showed this week.

Thankful Chain

  1. Cut colored paper into strips.
  2. On each strip, write or draw something you’re thankful for—even during a hard time.
  3. Loop the strips together to make a growing paper chain.
  4. Hang the chain where everyone can see it to remind your family to rejoice always!

Family Prayer

Take turns thanking God for something—even if it’s been a tough day. Ask Him to help you see reasons to be joyful this week.