Thankful in the Present

Read

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Think

There is a song called Rejoice. In the first verse, it says:  

"In this world, we all have troubles
days of joys and days of pain
when you're weary, don't you worry
He is faithful, always"
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It is easy to be thankful when everything is going our way. But when obstacles arise and the days are hard, we aren't so quick to have a thankful heart. Instead, we become frustrated. We compare ourselves to others and wonder why they aren't facing the same challenges. And we blame God for not giving us what we want.

In that frustration, we can be tempted to throw our hands up and think, "What's the use?" But could it be that God is working even when we can’t see it?

The song goes on to say, "I've got a joy down in my heart, I've got a love that will never stop, I've got a peace that passes understanding..."

How can a day of pain become a day of peace? Seems impossible. But, God gives us insight in Philippians 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

If you keep watching, God will show you His blessing. Keep walking in obedience and be thankful for each step along the way. Take your needs to Him and let His joy and peace wash over you as you trust Him and discover the lessons God wants you to learn. The impact of the seemingly small steps of obedience leads to giant leaps of growth.

Act

Read Paul's powerful prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21. Visualize Paul's words as you read it, and then read it again aloud as you tap into God's power and praise Him for it.

Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me enough to accept me as a work in progress. I praise You for sending Your only Son to make a way for me to turn from my past and transform me into who You created me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.