Gratefulness

Scripture: Psalm 23:2-4 -  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 -  Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

It is so easy to give thanks and/or be grateful when everything is alright or when everything is going our way. We are to give thanks IN all circumstances --  not necessarily FOR all circumstances.  If we have a personal, intimate relationship/fellowship with the Lord, we can rejoice in the midst of circumstances because we realize that the Lord is with us -- and He is working in them. When I look back on some of the things that I have gone through (i.e., having precancerous cells and having to get several operations, having shingles, my son getting killed, and my parents passing five weeks apart,  and others passing…..), I wouldn’t want to go through those things again.  I can say that all of those experiences in some way made me draw closer to the Lord.  I am learning to trust Him in difficult circumstances. God is sovereign, and I know He has everything in control. I can trust, depend, cry out to Him, seek His face, draw nearer to Him in extremely difficult times of trials/suffering/disappointment. As we rest in the Lord, He does give us peace. No matter what we go through, we have to remember that the Lord is with us, and He will see us through. Romans 5:2-5 says “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”  Psalms 23:4 says – “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”  When I get discouraged, I have to remember what the Lord has done for me in the past, what is currently doing, and what He will do in the future.  That helps me to be grateful.  I have to keep my focus/gaze on the Lord – similar to how the Israelites reminded their children what God did for them.

Prayer:  Thank You Lord for all that you have done for me!  Help me to continually be grateful and to remember all of the times You have been there for me.  You are so worthy of praise!!  All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)