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Paul says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in ALL circumstances; for this is God’s Will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Do you give thanks in all circumstances?
I try to be thankful always. I look for the positives and usually find them.
However, The Lord gently chided me by saying, “Carolyn, you’ve got a lot of buts.”
I puzzled over this. Then He added, “You say you are thankful, BUT then you add BUT and you tell Me something you are not thankful for.”
I started paying more attention to my thanks giving. I discovered He was right (He always is.).
I would say, “Lord, I am so thankful for … but I want more.”
David said, “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.”
Psalm 23:1
Another translation says, “The Lord is my Shepherd. I have everything I need.”
Psalm 23:1
When we choose to truly be thankful with no “ifs, ands or buts,” God moves us beyond gratitude into the next level. We are content, no matter what our circumstances.
We know beyond a shadow of a doubt God is not just with us — He is in us — and will be forever.
We know He has a Plan for us and we do not have to worry about all the details. We are just sure it is a Good Plan.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Paul said, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.”
Philippians 4:12
Is that really possible? I had the joy of knowing two great men in my life who showed me it is possible.
Both experienced various medical problems. Both experienced the intense grief of losing the loves of their lives. Both had to move from their homes.
Some might have thought they were quite entitled to be thankful and yet want more.
My father was one of those men. He lived to age 96. He thanked God and everyone he knew for his many blessings.
He often said, “Thank The Lord over and over again.” He was known for always saying each thank you three times. The nursing home staff said it was a blessing that made them feel truly appreciated.
When my father in law was asked how he was, he had two answers. The first he said jokingly. “I’m just as happy as if I had good sense.”
Basically he was saying that even if the world was giving him plenty of reasons not to be happy, he was choosing to be happy.
The second thing he said in all seriousness. He smiled and said, “I have a great sufficiency.”
And he did. What was his secret? It was the same as Paul’s.
“I can do all this through Him Who gives me strength!”
Philippians 4:13
I am resolving to drop my BUTS. When I feel tempted to tack my wish list onto my prayers of gratitude, I will say
Because The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!
I have a Great Sufficiency.
I can do all this through Him Who gives me strength.
I thank The Lord over and over again.
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
