When I broke a tooth the other day, at first, all I wanted to do was cry. It was a Friday afternoon, and I knew that my dentist would not be in his office again until Monday, so I would have to get through the entire weekend before I could get it repaired. As I got quiet in my spirit and sought the Lord in prayer, I heard His voice gently telling me to make a list of all the things I could thank Him for in this situation. The first thing I wrote down was, "Thank You, Lord, that this tooth is not noticeable." I knew the pain of breaking a tooth that was very obvious when I spoke or smiled, so this positive aspect of my predicament brightened my outlook immediately. I went on to list things like: "This broken tooth isn't sensitive or sharp. It doesn't affect my speech. I have a good, local dentist now. I have decent dental insurance." The more items I added to my list, the better I felt. And I was able to get through that weekend with more peace, joy, and contentment than I ever thought possible.
Scripture says: "Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be; be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP) It goes against our natural tendencies to be thankful when adversity hits, but the truth is that in every situation, there are things we can give thanks for. If we dwell on these things, instead of on the things that are troubling us most, our attitude will immediately improve. I don't know what your situation is today, but may I ask you something? Do you really think that things couldn't be any worse?
When my father died on a plane on the way home from vacation some years ago, our hearts grieved for my mother, who was in a distant city at the time, far from friends and family. Later, when a dear relative's husband died a slow, painful death, my mother praised God that my dad went quickly. Sometime after that, another relative lost her husband in a car accident shortly after she had to have her leg amputated, and my mom gave thanks that she was in good health when my father died. Don't you know that the heart of God rejoiced over my mother's "attitude of gratitude," and that she reaped untold blessings and rewards because of it? I challenge you today to make your own list of things to be thankful for, and to lay hold of the peace, joy, and victory that belong to you in Christ.
Prayer: Lord, when I'm faced with adversity, help me to resist grumbling, and to embrace gratefulness. Remind me that You have given me a divine Comforter to help me exercise thankfulness in every situation. Thank You that as I obey Your command to give thanks in all things, my disappointment and despair will give way to supernatural joy and peace!
Scotty Iman to Deliver "My God" Full Album March 22 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:00:00 EST |
Michael Knott Passed Away on March 12, 2024 at Age 61 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 16:40:00 EST |
Iveth Luna Drops New Single, "Right On Time" Fri, 15 Mar 2024 16:00:00 EST |
Bethel Music Releases New Live Album, "Moments: Wait" Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:50:00 EST |
Newsboys Announce New 2-Part Album, Release First Single Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:30:00 EST |
Curb Records' Big Daddy Weave Releases Rally Cry, "Let It Begin" Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:10:00 EST |
Barbara Mandrell Celebrates 35th Anniversary of "Precious Memories" Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:00:00 EST |
Demi-Leigh Tebow to release debut book this August Mon, 18 Mar 2024 21:20:38 +0000 |
LIFELINE CHILDREN’S SERVICES, GRUPO NELSON PUBLISHERS CO-HOST BOOK LAUNCH AND SIGNING FOR “WHOSE AM I?” Thu, 14 Mar 2024 15:49:00 +0000 |
EEM’s Bibles for Kids Initiative to Provide 570,000 Free Bibles to Children & Teens in 2024 Mon, 04 Mar 2024 22:33:43 +0000 |