Oh So Thankful

Have you ever wondered why we only talk about all that we are thankful for during this time of year? 

 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

 

All circumstances - not some. This means the messy, the ugly, the hard, the gut wrenching, as well as the good, the happy, the fulfilling, and the lovely. 

 

But how can we be in a place where we give thanks in all circumstances if our heart is broken? 

 

A few years ago, I challenged myself to find joy in every situation that I was faced with. This was extremely difficult, because I have a hard time processing stressful situations and finding something that was joyful in a place that felt grim wasn't easy. But, I kept trying. 

 

Does finding the joy in terrible situations mean that the situation isn't terrible? Nope, not at all. It likely is just as terrible as you are feeling. But, don't lose hope, for when you seek to find something to be thankful for within that situation, you are entering into the will of God. 

 

I had to remind myself recently that it isn't the will of God for me to go through trials. There are so many things at play here with the biggest one being warned about in 1 Peter 5:8 - “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

 

I used to always ask God why He allowed these terrible things to happen, but now, instead of focusing on the doom and gloom, I pray for wisdom and guidance on how to help make the situation better. 

 

I will admit, I'm not perfect when it comes to this. I shared with you last week that I am stubborn, and I'll share with you this week that I often struggle to control my temper. I am forever a work in progress, perfectly imperfect, but always willing to grow and learn. 

 

This year, as everyone shares all they are thankful for, if you feel as if there isn't a single thing that you are thankful for this year, I want to encourage you to sit down with your journal and spend time with these prompts:

• I am thankful for a warm day filled with sunshine that taught me...
• I am thankful for a night of rest that helped me feel...
• I am thankful for a great meal I ate this year that had...
• I am thankful for ________ for making a huge difference in my life this year by...
• I am thankful for learning ______ about myself this year and will apply...

We sometimes forget the little things add up to remind us that we truly do have so much to be thankful for this year and always.

I am so thankful for you and your friendship.

With Grace, Shonda Ramsey