Saturday, December 5, 2009

In All Circumstances

Last night I was rereading a post I had written on my other blog about both my husband Joel and I being crabby and out of sorts. I soon realized how down I sounded and started praying that Joel and I would find relief from our woe-be-gone attitude. Right in the middle of my prayers a verse from the Bible popped into my mind. On Sunday as I was watching Rick Warren's services online he talked about this verse in depth. Seems I needed the lesson before I even knew it...hmmmm God is always one step ahead isn't He.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (NIV)

Please notice He does not say FOR all circumstances....He says, IN all circumstances. There is a big difference. Our circumstances may be challenging and overwhelming at times, but we can still find things to be positive and thankful for IN these circumstances.

I believe it is okay to be in and acknowledge all our moods....they are part of who we are. We just don't want to take up permanent residence in that place of negativity. Focusing on the burdens only makes them heavier...so maybe we sit with them for awhile, and then we try to empty the bag of burdens by turning our focus to gratefulness, thankfulness, and joy. Like in the musical “Annie” we can remember that the sun will come out tomorrow.....and when we give thanks in all circumstances....we are even able to see a break in the clouds right where we find ourselves today.

For more inspirational posts visit Charlotte and Ginger at www.bloggerspirit.blogspot.com



14 comments:

Tra La La Boom De Ay said...

Perfect. More perfect than you will ever get to know.

Fliterary said...

So true, Renee. Our circumstances may be challening and downright horrible at times. However, we can always be grateful, because no matter where we are or what is happening God is with us.

Good for you for being thankful in all circumstances. You and Joel are in my prayers. :)

Debbie said...

This was such a great post. And it is so true. I have found that a thankful heart is usually a happy one. And when we REALLY look we can find some blessing in most things. And when we can't we can know that all things work together for good (eventually) to those who know Him. Have a great week. Blessings, Debbie

From the Old InkWell said...

How true! Have a joyous season!

Denise said...

Fantastic.

Musings of A Minister said...

Wow! This is good. Thank you.

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

Yes God is God & we must trust him even when things are not going well. I tell him a lot of times when I am praying just that . You are God, I am not , I believe in spite of what I see , that you love me and that all things are working together for my good.And for all that are called according to his purposes .
Merry christmas !
~Myrna

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

The joy of the Lord is our strength. Whenever we cease to be joyful, we'll find ourselves weak. No matter what's going on, if we know the Lord, we have deep joy in Him.

Cathy said...

Thanks for that great Word and reminder today. Blessings ~

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

This was a well needed post for me to read. Thank-you fo rthese spriptures.
God Bless,
Ginger

Charlotte said...

This is a great reminder. We all need to be reminded. I'm glad you pointed out the difference in being grateful in our circumstances, not necessarily for them. Sometimes we can be happy in both, and that is really a blessing. Maybe you could even call it a double blessing.
Charlotte

dtbrents said...

I'm chronically ill and have been for over twenty years. I have so many illnesses I won't mention them here. I will go to your other blog. I'm glad I found you. I will be praying for you. God bless, Doylene

Ms.Daisy said...

Renee,
Thanks for a really insightful post today! It is true a thankful heart IS a happy heart! Have a blessed week!



~Jean

michelle said...

This is good. Thank You!