Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's
will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
...give thanks in all circumstances...Wow! That is not always easy to do, is it? I know it isn't for me. Over the past few weeks I know there have been many times when I did not give thanks. For instance, when I was in so much pain I couldn't roll over in bed without using the assitance of the bedpost, or when I couldn't get up and walk without the help of someone else, or a walker. I know I wasn't giving thanks when some of my best friends left for the Extraordinary Women's conference and I was left at home, or when I had not been out of my house for weeks on end.
...give thanks in all circumstances... I have read that scripture many, many times before, but today when I read those words the Holy Spirit convicted me to the core. The word all stuck out like it never has before. Notice it doesn't say some. It says all. No matter what we are going through we should give thanks. Whoa!
...give thanks in all circumstances... This means that no matter what we are going through, whether it be something major like a serious medical condition, or something trivial like the fact that all of your capris/shorts from last summer are too tight, we should be full of joy and thankful. As Christians we can find comfort in knowing that where we are right now is God's will for [us.] We can also rest assured knowing that in "all things God works for the good for those who love him (Romans 8:28.)"
So, today I challenge you to join me as I commit 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to memory this week. Once we have God's word in our heart, I pray He will use the power of the Holy Spirit to administer an immediate attitude check each and everytime we begin to play host to an awful pity party. I also pray that once the scripture comes to mind we will immediately be reminded that it is God's will for us to be more joyful, prayerful and thankful people no matter what the circumstances, and then to act accordingly!
4 comments:
so lets just be thankful that we had the food and the money to buy the food that made everything too tight :) he he he Definitely not easy to be thankful in ALL things!
Thankfulness and gratefulness are areas that God has zoned in on me lately! Thank you for this great post and reminder :)
Thanks for the reminder, Chista....so easy to throw pity parties for myself...I am going to try and be more thankful!
I so know what you mean....it's so hard during the dark and difficult times in life, but God is the God of all times!! Been praying for you and hope you are doing well.
Holly
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