ThanksLiving

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)~ In every thing, give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

As a parent, I am learning to give thanks for everything because it shifts my mindset and helps me master negative emotions. Much more than that, it is God’s will for me to give thanks in ALL things. When I think about the life of Paul, the one who by divine inspiration is encouraging fellow believers to give thanks in ALL things, I am inspired to give thanks even when I do not feel like giving thanks.

Please read 2 Corinthians 11:25-27 (NLT) attentively:

Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea.

I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.

I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.

If someone who experienced physical abuse, dangerous situations, church hurt, and more can encourage fellow believers to give thanks in ALL things, there must be something supernatural about thanksgiving. Considering Paul’s experience, I have no excuse. Paul was serving God, yet he faced difficult times. The Christian life comes with trials and challenges. Giving thanks in all things empowers us to face difficult times with joy and make the best of every situation.

Give thanks even when you do not feel like giving thanks. Motherhood comes with a lot of challenges that can make one want to run away from home or scream (feel free to scream!), thanksgiving is a spiritual weapon for staying sane and thriving motherhood.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your will is for me to give thanks in all things. So, in the name of Jesus, I ask for the grace to give thanks in all things, to live a life of gratitude and remember that all things work together for the good of those who love you. Teach me to love you by obeying your commandments. (John 14:15). Thank you for answering my prayers.