Paul understood the importance of Thanksgiving. He knew that if you are not able to look around you and see all that God has done for you, then there was nothing he could say or do to make you see the truth. It takes a thankful heart to be able to really worship, even when in pain. A thankful heart can change everything around you.
Paul, Silas, and Timothy wrote a joined letter to the church in Thessalonica to give them grace and peace. They prayed thanksgiving over the church since they could not be with them in person, but they were still persevering for God. The point of all of Paul's letters are to teach, encourage, and enable the church to serve God. He has heard that their faith was producing works to glorify God. This church was enduring in love of Jesus that inspired hope.
The Holy Spirit has the power to produce conviction out of anything, but the written word has power. There is something about seeing things in black and white that just triggers something in someone. It could be a simple phrase or it could be a pointed phrase. The Holy Spirit knows how to speak to you, so He will use whatever method works best to deeply convict you personally. He takes the written word and then gives you an entire personalized message for your benefit.
As you become imitators of Jesus, you find assurance in His message. Living out that message makes you an example for other believers. You are strengthened to the point that you may not need anything more than what you have as you wait for Jesus to return.
Jesus is our rescuer from God's great wrath. We bring the wrath upon ourselves, but he took the worst part away from us. How can we not be thankful. No matter how bad things are, it could always be so much worse. He saved us from the worst.
1 Thessalonians 1
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