Today’s Truth
“Give thanks in all circumstances,” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV).
Friend to Friend
Paul wrote the Thessalonians, “Give thanks in all circumstances,” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We read that verse and think it rather nice. So we slap a sloppy coat of thanksgiving on life and go about our day. In reality, most of us are thankful for very little.
Notice the Bible doesn’t command us to feel thankful in all circumstances. Instead it commands us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” When I begin to praise God in a difficult situation, even if I don’t feel like it, many times the scales fall from my eyes and I begin to see glimpses of His glory sprinkled on the black backdrop of the situation like diamonds on black velvet. Sometimes I don’t see glory in tragedy, but I still can praise God because I know He is there.
Gratitude changes the lens through which we see the circumstances in our little slice of time. Thanksgiving changes our perspective despite broken dreams, broken relationships, tumultuous circumstances, and unfulfilled longings. As you praise God for who He is and thank Him for what He’s done, your perspective of Him grows larger and your problems grow smaller. As a result, you will experience a deeper sense of intimacy with God as the emotional gap between what you know to be true and how you feel at the moment closes.
On many occasions in the Psalms, David complained about his circumstances (Psalms 42, 57, 62). But more often than not, about midway through David’s laments, he begins praising God for who He is and thanking God for what He’s done. And you know what happens? All of a sudden David starts feeling better! Life isn’t so bad after all! His problems grow smaller as his perspective of God grows larger, and he begins to see God’s glory shining through the situation.
Why is that? In the writing of one little Psalm, David shifted from depression to rejoicing. He didn’t wait until God changed his situation, solved his problem, or made him feel better before he began thanking Him. Oh friend, when we stop complaining and grumbling and begin speaking God’s love language of gratitude, our perspective will change as well. We will begin seeing moments of sudden glory through the lens of praise and thanksgiving—glory moments that were there all along, but hidden from the grumbling eye.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, I praise Your name. I exalt Your name forever. Even though I may not understand what is going on in my life, I trust that You are good and Your plans are good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Today, read Psalm 145,146, and 147. Take note of all the Psalmist praised God for.
If you’re really industrious, read Psalm 148, 149 and 150. How do each one of these Psalms begin.
Make a list of then things you are thankful for and share them on my blog page at www.sharonjaynes.com.
More from the Girlfriends
Seeing God through the lens of gratitude and grace is one of the themes of my book, A Sudden Glory: God’s Lavish Response to Your Ache for Something More. It’s a great book to help you experience God’s presence on a daily basis. But if you have trouble with grumbling, complaining, and controlling your tongue, I’d suggest delving into my book, The Power of a Woman’s Words. What a great New Year’s Resolution: CONTOL MY TONGUE! You can find them both on my website at www.sharonjaynes.com.
this made me dust off my gratitude journal. i always feel better when i put it on paper. this is how i start my day, everyday. you have such a wonderful way with words. thank you for being there.
What an encouragement and reminder. I often focus on the problem and need to remind myself that even in the most difficult and trying circumstances even when a spouse is a leader in a church and the behavior at home is that of an unconverted one is so difficul, but keep trusting God that He indeed with see me through. So i have praise Him through the good and the bad.
Thanks so much for this reminder that God is faithful and I dont want to ever not be thankful for all that God has given me.God is so good. So thankful for all these wonderful devotions that you and the others share with us each day. It is such a blessing. I truely enjoy and recieve from these devotions. May God richly bless you all in all that you do for the kingdom.
Wow, just what I needed. Sometimes God whispers in my ear, and sometimes it is a 2 x 4 moment. God has continually been revealing my heart and how I can walk in victory. He is so awesome.
Hi Sharon,
I enjoyed today’s reading as I always do. Being thankful to God is was keeps me going. From reflecting back on where he brought me from, I have always praised him for being such a wonder to my SOUL. I did write the ten things I am thankful for: I am thankful for never loosing my praise, God giving me peace and joy, God supplying me and my family with the means to survive, for this day has been a good day, the good health of me and my children, the use of my hands eyes mouth ears nose hands and legs,the ones I know and love are well, clean safe pure drinking water,my husband in spite of everything paying the bills and trying to read and learn how to understand Gods word, and I am thankful that God has invited us into his kingdom work. Oh how I love Jesus.
I am so grateful to each of you for God to place it on your hearts to be so kind and loving. What a blessing to give back. There is no reward bigger than giving back. You cannot
beat God giving. We pray for each of you…………………………………………..