Thanksgiving and Encouragement - 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Before you read the passage, take some time to reflect, and just be with God. Pray Psalms 119:18. Pray that God will let you see how this devotional applies to you.

Psalms 119:18 (NIV)
18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

Read 2: Thessalonians 2: 13-17

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 (NIV)
13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits[b] to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings[c] we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

Here, we see that in verses 13-15, the author is telling the people to stand firm in their faith and in Jesus. We can see that there is an abundance of things to give thanks for: that God chose us, that he sanctifies us. Take some time and really reflect on this. A lot of times it’s really easy to just “be a Christian” but not really thank God for what He has truly done for us. We should all be in awe of the mere fact that God did choose us and chose to die for us. When I read this verse, I realized my own faults for not really giving glory to God. Personally, I know I’m neglecting to thank God for his amazing grace, so much so that when I die, God doesn’t see me, but instead sees the image of Jesus. What can you thank God for? The possibilities are endless.

In verses 15-17, though, we can see a shift. The author is now encouraging the believer. He asks of the Lord, who comforts us eternally to comfort our own hearts. Has anything been on your mind lately? Too much worrying? Just ask God to help you lift your worries for him. I believe that true comfort can only come with God.

Just take some time to reflect on all of this. The author has told us to give thanks, and also written to encourage all of us. Take the time to build that relationship with God, whether it be through prayer, or just sitting there in awe of him.