Monday, November 25, 2013

Give Thanks In All Circumstances

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Sometimes we are hit hard by life's circumstances. Perhaps everywhere we turn we face problems - physical, emotional, spiritual, etc. The list could go on and on with our troubles and woes. Sometimes we are in a season where things aren't going the way we desire. We may feel out of control. Nothing we do makes the situation better. Life seems overwhelming.

I've been facing a similar scenario where I've been hit with many difficult things at the same time. I have to admit, that it's easy to wallow in the pain and hurt and not move any further. The desire to go back to bed and throw the covers over my head and pretend that things will be better when I awaken is often present.

But this verse in the Bible encourages me to do otherwise. The section of scripture says: Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Nowhere does it say anything about staying focused on the hard things in our life. Instead we are to rejoice, pray, and give thanks, even when we don't feel like it. Our thankfulness is not based on our circumstances, instead it's based on our Lord Jesus Christ and what He has done for us on the cross. Thankfulness is an active choice and decision.

How are you choosing to give thanks today?

5 comments:

  1. I wrote this several days ago and am finding it a hard choice to be thankful despite the circumstances. We have water damage issues that is continuing to get worse and worse. We could use prayer right now - for wisdom and strength. Even in the midst of struggles I still need to thank God for who He is and what He has done for me.

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  2. I am thankful for the blessing of friends and family. You're in my prayers, Jodie.

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  3. Like Crystal, I am thankful for my family and friends. I hate you are going through this difficult time, Jodie. Will keep you in my prayers.

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  4. I'll be praying, Jodie. I try to be thankful for everything, but struggles are never easy. Still, they help mold and shape us into who God wants us to be.

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  5. Thanks for the prayers Crystal, Patricia, and Elaine. It's been a rough day, but I choose to thank God.

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