PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• There’s a bit of a rebel in me that really doesn’t like to write holiday-themed posts on holidays…
Every blogger in America will write about being thankful today.
And of course, it’s important to be thankful EVERY day, not just Thanksgiving…
But I tend to push back a little on doing holiday-related topics, though I admit I’ve written plenty of them.
This morning though, despite my mental protest about writing on thankfulness on Thanksgiving, the Holy Spirit kept putting 1 Thessalonians 5:18 on my mind.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
But instead of focusing on the word “thanks,” let’s focus on the word “all.”
It’s so easy to be thankful and grateful when the sun is shining and everything is going our way.
However, those moments are temporary.
Jesus told us that in this world, we would have trouble (John 16:33).
Not maybe.
We will.
And it has to be this way because our world is a fallen world…
Our perfect, eternal life comes later for those who have believed in Jesus.
And though Jesus has told us that we will experience trouble in this world, Scripture still tells us to be thankful in ALL circumstances.
Even the ones we don’t understand and the ones that leave us feeling broken.
But it’s when the fog sets in and the rains pour that a truly grateful heart can be manifested.
When circumstances would give a million reasons NOT to be thankful, that is the best time to fall to our knees in gratitude.
Because in our brokenness and heartache, our thankfulness and praise to God will shine light on our circumstances and remind us that He is with us always (Matthew 28:20).
Our gratitude in all circumstances will keep our focus on the Son, who is the very Light of the World (John 8:12).
And when we can invite the Light of the Son into our darkest moments, He is glorified and others can see His glory working in our lives.
Today, as you pray, ask the Holy Spirit to give you a spirit of gratitude when things are good, but also during your worst and most difficult moments.
Ask Him to help you invite Jesus to always shine through every circumstance you face.
