Be thankful in all circumstances
This exhortation in 1 Thessalonians verse 18 is preceded with “always be joyful.
Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for
you, who belong to Christ Jesus”.
I have to honestly say that I don’t find this an easy scripture to put into
practice, especially when my life is busy and I wish I had accomplished my tasks
last week instead of having them still looming in front of me; and when I’m
tired, I find it even harder.
However our Lord and Friend doesn’t give us commands that are not
achievable, nor does He leave us alone to accomplish by ourselves. So often, I
have found Holy Spirit is truly ‘ a very present help in time of trouble’ and ‘He
prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies.’
Sometimes my focus is so on the tasks in front of me that I forget to look up
and see all that the Lord has done already in my current circumstance.
A few benefits of gratitude/thankfulness are improved health; increased
energy, elevated mood, increased patience and optimism, improved
relationships, increased resiliency and it make you happier.
When the Bible tells us that the will of the Father is for us to be thankful in all
circumstances, we see from the short list above, that as usual, Father God has
our very best interests at heart. He is God and His wisdom is unsearchable, His
ways above ours.
I have decided to set my heart towards thankfulness, starting today. I want to
be obedient to the will of the Father and I know that as I take the first step by
making the decision, He is running toward me to help and His goodness and
mercy follow me. He is my strength and song.
Shalom.

Kath