No, In Everything Give Thanks
But how can we have thankful, contented hearts when the circumstances in our lives are not what we had planned and when they lie outside our control or our power to change? Let's look at our alternatives. If we are not thankful, we become bitter and angry with God: He is not providing what we "rightfully" deserve. If we are not content, we become rebellious and complaining: after all, He gives our friends everything they pray for--why does He refuse us?
Underlying these complaints and questions lie two errors in our thinking; that God is not trustworthy and that He does not desire our good. When we compare these conclusions with Scripture, we discover how wrong we are! God's Word instructs us that God is sovereignly in control. He is intimately involved with us; He works out His purposes through the events in our lives so that we may be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus. We can be sure that God's love for His people is not determined by the circumstances in our lives. His love is steady and unchanging (Carol L. Baldwin, Devotional Thought on Gratitude, In Everything Give Thanks).
Once again, the Lord is leading me to write an encouraging word for people experiencing tough circumstances. Maybe He continues to do this because in the process He is also encouraging me. As we near Thanksgiving, I sense many people are walking through the motions preparing for the holiday season. Maybe some are walking through the motions to keep family members from knowing what is really happening inside. Or maybe one is shielding her child from the pain of a broken relationship. Or maybe others are experiencing financial difficulty. Whatever the reasons we are struggling, our God is trustworthy. Place your complete trust in the Lord, do not lean on your understanding, and fully embrace the joy of living through your intentional choice to allow God to work peace in your heart.
Be thankful. Meditate on what God has done for you up to this point. Look forward to a prosperous future. Show mercy to others. Encourage your family with love and kindness. "Give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds" (Psalm 107:27). "God will make your deserts like Eden, your wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in you, thanksgiving and the sound of singing" (Isaiah 51:3). "Rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness (Colossians 2:7); do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6).
My wish for you is that God strengthens you. May you see His goodness through the relationships He's planted in your life. May He develop a heart of thankfulness in your heart as you wait on Him. May every desire of your heart be transformed into the desires He has for you. May peace blanket you!
From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
Dori Price
Final Thoughts
Once again, the Lord is leading me to write an encouraging word for people experiencing tough circumstances. Maybe He continues to do this because in the process He is also encouraging me. As we near Thanksgiving, I sense many people are walking through the motions preparing for the holiday season. Maybe some are walking through the motions to keep family members from knowing what is really happening inside. Or maybe one is shielding her child from the pain of a broken relationship. Or maybe others are experiencing financial difficulty. Whatever the reasons we are struggling, our God is trustworthy. Place your complete trust in the Lord, do not lean on your understanding, and fully embrace the joy of living through your intentional choice to allow God to work peace in your heart.
Be thankful. Meditate on what God has done for you up to this point. Look forward to a prosperous future. Show mercy to others. Encourage your family with love and kindness. "Give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds" (Psalm 107:27). "God will make your deserts like Eden, your wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in you, thanksgiving and the sound of singing" (Isaiah 51:3). "Rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness (Colossians 2:7); do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6).
My wish for you is that God strengthens you. May you see His goodness through the relationships He's planted in your life. May He develop a heart of thankfulness in your heart as you wait on Him. May every desire of your heart be transformed into the desires He has for you. May peace blanket you!
From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
Dori Price
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I look forward to reading what you have to say. God bless you! Dori