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…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
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Many times this little verse is used incorrectly, replacing the word ‘in’ with the word ‘for’. Oh, it might not actually be spoken ‘for everything give thanks’ but in our minds it is sometimes translated that way. When that happens we get all squirrelly and question how in the world we are to be thankful for everything. No one could be thankful for a child who has turned from the love and protection of their parents or for the lack of transportation due to a broken car. How about a family home in foreclosure or the death of a beloved spouse?
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When hard things come and you feel the added burden of guilt for your lack of appreciation, remember that the Lord does not ask us to be thankful for bad things. He tells us to be thankful in the midst of that bad thing. Regardless of what hardship comes our way, the truth of who God is still stands. When a child gets cancer, God is still Healer. When a job is lost, God is still Provider. When a marriage is rocky, God is still Restorer. God is altogether lovely and perfect and holy. Sin has created an atmosphere of death and loss and pain, but even there God is holy and worthy of thanksgiving.
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Cultivating a heart that searches out and proclaims the goodness of God even in dark times will help you to walk strong through difficulties. That walk will in turn bring glory to the Father and be a witness to those who have no hope.
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Prayer:
Father God, thank You that regardless of what is happening in my life, who You are is a constant Truth. You are holy, righteous, all knowing, all powerful, merciful, and good. Nothing can separate me from you. Help me to always give You thanks IN everything. Amen
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Challenge:
This week, when a hard thing comes your way, stop and thank the Lord for who He is in the midst of that circumstance. If you have been lied to, thank the Lord that He is Truth and what He says stands forever. If your marriage is in shambles, stop and thank Him that He can make a way for your heart to be drawn closer to Him as you work through trouble. Don’t try to feel thankful for awful things, simply thank the Lord for His goodness in spite of those awful things.
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Many times this little verse is used incorrectly, replacing the word ‘in’ with the word ‘for’. Oh, it might not actually be spoken ‘for everything give thanks’ but in our minds it is sometimes translated that way. When that happens we get all squirrelly and question how in the world we are to be thankful for everything. No one could be thankful for a child who has turned from the love and protection of their parents or for the lack of transportation due to a broken car. How about a family home in foreclosure or the death of a beloved spouse?
*
When hard things come and you feel the added burden of guilt for your lack of appreciation, remember that the Lord does not ask us to be thankful for bad things. He tells us to be thankful in the midst of that bad thing. Regardless of what hardship comes our way, the truth of who God is still stands. When a child gets cancer, God is still Healer. When a job is lost, God is still Provider. When a marriage is rocky, God is still Restorer. God is altogether lovely and perfect and holy. Sin has created an atmosphere of death and loss and pain, but even there God is holy and worthy of thanksgiving.
*
Cultivating a heart that searches out and proclaims the goodness of God even in dark times will help you to walk strong through difficulties. That walk will in turn bring glory to the Father and be a witness to those who have no hope.
*
Prayer:
Father God, thank You that regardless of what is happening in my life, who You are is a constant Truth. You are holy, righteous, all knowing, all powerful, merciful, and good. Nothing can separate me from you. Help me to always give You thanks IN everything. Amen
*
Challenge:
This week, when a hard thing comes your way, stop and thank the Lord for who He is in the midst of that circumstance. If you have been lied to, thank the Lord that He is Truth and what He says stands forever. If your marriage is in shambles, stop and thank Him that He can make a way for your heart to be drawn closer to Him as you work through trouble. Don’t try to feel thankful for awful things, simply thank the Lord for His goodness in spite of those awful things.
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Jen 2009
2 comments:
Great stuff, Jen.
My daughter had a car accident within six months of getting her license. Four of her friends were in the car. As I took each of the kids home, I told their parents: "God was good; nobody got hurt." After saying that twice, the Lord quickened my heart: "I would be "good" if everyone had died."
Yes, ma'am. IN everything give thanks,because He is Worthy.
(my verification word is "scialism," just like socialism without the O.)
Thanks for the devotion. We started our Advent celebration last night. I ordered a few new books from Amazon that I'm waiting on.
- Watch For The Light: Readings For Advent And Christmas
- Preparing My Heart for Advent
- A Family Advent: Keeping the Savior in the Season
I am looking forward to getting some new ideas to make the season even more meaningful and especially in personally drawing my heart closer to the Lord during this time.
Thanks for the devotion, Jen. You're always a blessing!
Love, Lisa
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