Devotional Week 6 by Angela E.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Give thanks in ALL circumstances.
All circumstances?
I don’t know about you, but I think I’ve had a harder time living out that verse this month. So many things about quarantine life seem not “thanksgiving-worthy”: social distancing, online school, cancelled trips, cancelled events, online birthday parties, not knowing when it will end, and wondering, “Will we ever actually get back to normal?” So many things have me grumbling in my spirit (and oftentimes, out loud).
In her book, “One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are,” author Ann Voskamp shares about what happens to us when we experience loss: “One life-loss can infect the whole of a life. Like a rash that wears through our days, our sight becomes peppered with black voids. Now everywhere we look, we only see all that isn’t: holes, lack, deficiency.”
I can definitely see how that is true in my life these days. It seems easier to look around and see all that isn’t – to see the holes, to feel what is lacking, to dwell on the deficiency. And yet, God’s word tells us to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. It is His will for us to give thanks, because He knows that is what turns our eyes away from what we perceive to be lacking, and toward Him, the Giver of all good things.
It seems that gratitude is the cure for grumbling. And gratitude is sparked when we look at Who our God is, and what He has done.
Scripture to read: 1 Chronicles 16: 8-12 and Psalm 9:1.
Reflect:
Both of the above passages about gratitude mention “speaking” or “telling” about what God has done. By telling others about what God has done, we can practice gratitude. What would you like to share with others about what God has done in your life today? This week? This year?
What can you thank God for about your family? About your school or work? About your friends? About COVID-19? About how He made you? About His character?
In what situations or areas of your life are you finding it hard to be thankful these days?
How might your relationships with others be affected by your practice of gratitude? Is there anyone you need to show appreciation to with your words or actions?
Prayerful Action:
Consider starting a gratitude journal, a place where you take time each day to record what you are thankful for (where you tell of God’s wonders – Psalm 9:1). Take time each day, and throughout the day, to give thanks to the Lord for Who He is and for what He has done. As the Lord leads you, share your journal and prayers with others.
