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I selected this passage from heidistjohn.com/scripturewriting in which you can sign up for the challenge and literally write out a scripture every day. It’s like a fitness challenge except it’s exercise for our minds and souls. I think my mind was becoming flabby and it’s time to get back in shape.
Day 2: Give Thanks in ALL Circumstances.
Today’s thought is a challenge. Who can be grateful in all circumstances? Can I find a reason to be grateful when I’m sleep deprived and can’t meet a deadline? Can I find a reason to be grateful when my whole household is sick and depending on my care while I’m fading myself? Can I be grateful for an injury or a migraine? Who can be grateful in all circumstances? Maybe you’re picturing some nutcase optimist who smiles constantly and never seems phased by ANYTHING. Perhaps some of those optimists are as human as the rest of us but they’ve grasped something fundamental for getting through life.
Context:
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak,be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
19 Do not quench the Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-19
When I pondered this passage of scripture, I was reminded of a book my husband bought our daughter. It’s called “What Do You Do with a Problem?” The moral of the story is that each problem could have a hidden opportunity.
Look again at this passage from 1 Thessalonians. Acknowledge the hardworking among you, Live in peace with each other, warn those who are disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone…
In each of these statements there is an inferred problem and a call to respond. It is after all of these statements that we read, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I don’t believe that giving thanks in all circumstances means pretending to be problem-free or faking gratitude. I believe God’s will for our lives is continue to rejoice and pray through the trials and problems. I believe he wants us to give thanks in all circumstances because that is the portal to unlocking kingdom opportunities.
So if someone is discouraged, you have an opportunity to encourage.When people in your life are challenging, it’s your chance to show them patience. When others do wrong, it’s your chance to do good. Problem=opportunity
I can just imagine how much joy such a lifestyle can bring. To have the strength to look beyond problems and see opportunities is a great gift.
So even though I never thought I’d like the idea of giving thanks in ALL Circumstances, opening up the word and it’s context reveals how liberating the concept is. I am grateful today that I CAN give thanks in all circumstances.
Resources:
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