“Be thankful in all circumstances“
1Thessalonians 5:18a NLT
First, I just want to tell you that I am so grateful for you being a part of this community.
The season is officially upon us, the season of gratitude. Each November millions take part in some form of gratitude whether it be sharing what they are thankful for, showing appreciation to others, or writing verses from the Bible in their journals.
I’ve done them all in different seasons of my life.
Every day in November, when my son was little, we would write what we were thankful for on a piece of paper. We would then pin the paper to a wreath I made out of clothes pins that were hanging on the front door. Each time we walked out we were reminded of all the things that we are thankful for. It could be a silly something or a serious something. Sometimes it was simply what we were having for dinner that night. But it was a year-long reminder to be thankful.
We’ve gone around the table and shared what we are thankful for. We like doing this at the big dining room table with all our family there. Sometimes people say funny stuff like my husband, “I’m thankful for deviled eggs” or it could be for situations that you are facing.
I have written out Scripture verses in my journal around the theme to learn more verses for when I need them. This year I created a Thanksgiving in the Psalms printable to write out scripture through the month of November. If you are interested in doing this alongside me. (Click the image to download a copy!)
I’m also taking part in a Gratitude Challenge with my friend, Twyla Frantz, the founder of The Uncommon Normal. This challenge is unique in that we are “telling our thanks to specific people in our lives who have shaped, loved, prayed for, encouraged, and inspired us. This challenge is about naming the good in the people who matter to you. Growing your own gratitude through encouraging others.” says Twyla. The thanks can be via text, email, telephone, handwritten note, social media, you name it, you can do it! Hop on over to her website to get a copy of the prompts. Thank Somebody Gratitude Challenge
It’s easy to be thankful when things are going smoothly and it’s easy to be obedient to God when you see the road ahead is going to be easy. It’s a different scenario when things aren’t going as you planned or hoped and you can’t see what’s in store next. I struggle with finding gratitude in all the seasons especially seasons of suffering.
Paul was all too familiar with suffering. He had an unnamed thorn in his side, he was imprisoned, beaten, and even shipwrecked. He knew about suffering, yet when he addressed the Thessalonian Church he commanded them to be joyful in all circumstances. The joy that he is speaking of in chapter five, is a joy that only comes from the Holy Spirit not necessarily a feeling on the surface but a much deeper one. “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT). The deep-down feeling of joy that the Holy Spirit grants is what carries us through those hard seasons and situations.
It’s easy to be grateful for our circumstances and be obedient to God when things are going well but when we face the shipwrecks, diagnoses, job loss, and the loss of a loved one can we find that same joy and gratitude?
I believe so, each time I seem to be floundering under my circumstances, I ask God to help me. I ask Him to show me joy and to change my attitude so that I can let my light shine for others.
Lord, help us to be joyful and grateful in all circumstances. Infuse each of us with the joy that comes from you. Forgive me for when I struggle to be grateful for my circumstances. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Now for the GIVEAWAY
The Uncommon Normal also features a year-long series on her blog about gratitude entitled, Begin Within. She is also hosting a Giveaway (it’s big) for the third birthday of the Begin Within Series. Here is the link to enter the giveaway. https://tinyurl.com/beginwithinbirthday The giveaway ends 11/03! Enter TODAY!!
There are three prize bundles
Gratitude Bundle
Fall Favs Bundle
$300 Target Gift Card (You could start your Christmas shopping!!!)
Enter Today
Thanks to these Amazing Women for Sponsoring This Giveaway
As the gratitude season begins, join me in being grateful for the little things and the big things in our lives. Will you share with me one thing you are grateful for this week in the comments?
