In this season of Thanksgiving, it isn’t always easy to give thanks.
Verses 16-18 of 1 Thessalonians 5 tell me to rejoice always. But is that possible in today’s world?
What about all the frustrations and heartaches? How do I give thanks when I’m overwhelmed or lonely? I know the Christian walk is not easy, but isn’t rejoicing in all things a bit much to ask? I mean, John 16:33 is clear in saying we will have tribulation. Jesus certainly experienced it.
Yet, the New Testament still tells us to rejoice. It mentions this about seventy times. What is impressive is that most of the books of the New Testament were written during times of heavy persecution.
It’s not that I don’t believe what scripture says; I often struggle to DO what it says. Perhaps my issue isn’t even with rejoicing or giving thanks, but with the doing.
“Do everything with complaining or grumbling…” Philippians 2:14
I read something the other day that made me pause and reread.
“It’s not the complexity or the volume of tasks that derails most people…it’s the consistency.”
When I am faithful in the little things so that it becomes a habit, I am more likely to stay on track when life gets wild—like it often does around the holidays. It isn’t those things that overwhelm me that keep me from finding ways to rejoice and give thanks. It’s that I haven’t cultivated a system of doing so when I’m NOT exhausted and burned out.
So today, I’m counting my blessings and naming them one by one because I am thankful for all my Lord has done.
What are you thankful for today? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.