Dear Sojourners, Give Thanks Always
Dear Sojourner sisters! I pray that everyone is doing amazingly well, all courtesy of the grace of God. This morning, I want to encourage THANKFULNESS to be your first response today!
I was recounting a series of steps that led to some brokenness and disappointment in a recent relationship, and as I did, I wanted to grieve over the process; I realized that the process revealed varying truths that I had been overlooking for some time. Truths about myself and truths about the other party. As I reflect, I see now that even in this barrenness of differences and silence, I could be thankful for all that has been revealed. Had things not gone the way they did, my eyes and heart would not have received this dose of reality and truth God has providentially brought to bear. Hence, even in difficult and strained situations or trials, there is something to be thankful for! We just have to remember God is in the midst of all our encounters. When things are going well, no one has to prime us to be thankful! We are all pink like roses and can scream gratitude without prompting.
However, are we still able to be THANKFUL when life throws us a curveball? Yes, we can! When our joy and stability are built on the firm foundation of Christ, we can thank God for the valley experience; had it not been for the valley, many of us wouldn't have had an appreciation for the mountaintop experiences.
FAITH CHECK
Today, as you engage and encounter life head-on, I pray you'd be poised and ready to thank God for all he brings to bear on your journey. Difficult paths or people can help refine your self-control, patience, goodness, and humility. Sorrows and grieving often give insightful reminders that our days are numbered and that we must love one another as we've been loved. Brokenness and disappointment usually remind us that we live in a fallen world and that we are to look heavenly and above, and NOT below, and to others to be our god. Circumstances beyond our control are opportunities to have us come boldly to the THRONE of GRACE, where we may find mercy. Amen? Amen. A thankful heart is a healthy heart. Have a day overflowing with gratitude and thankfulness.
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