Being Thankful

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

That is such a great verse! It offers so much for us on how we are to live daily. I mean can I say I am joyful always, (I wish)? With six children and slim finances I totally understand praying continuously, but I know that I still should be in prayer more. But what about giving thanks in all circumstances?

Really all three work together. When we are in prayer continually then we can give thanks in all circumstances because we know that God is in control of everything and we can rest in Him. Then we will be joyful always because of the peace we have in Him.

Right now I am thinking in particular about being thankful in everything. This is something I struggle with. My tendency is to think, why me? Like for example, when I am changing another poopy diaper and I want to grumble and complain because honestly it's messy and gross. But I need to be thankful in everything. Instead of thinking to myself, "why does she have to poop so much?", I can think, "thank you Lord that her body is functioning properly and she is healthy and I am physically able to take care of this need for her." Or, when my husband is cranky and doesn't feel well and I am having to be alone and not enjoy his company I can be thankful even in this. Instead of focusing on my hurt feelings and how miserable I am I can turn to the Lord and pray for my husband to feel better and then be thankful that the Lord has heard my prayer. I can be thankful that I am feeling well and I can offer him comfort such as a well timed massage or some other special thing to help him to relax and feel better. And in turn I can be joyful.

So many times I can relate to the Israelites in the desert and how they seemed to continually forget how God has cared for them and what the Lord desired of them. I struggle with letting my emotions rule me and I need to be constantly in prayer to keep a correct focus.

So, today I want to be in constant prayer, be thankful of the Lord's goodness and gifts, and be joyful because of the incredible peace that only God can give!

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:4,5

Start Weight: 186

Current Weight: 188 (better than yesterday)

Goal Weight: 135