What does it mean to lengthen our latitude of gratitude? I've been thinking
about being thankful and what that looks like in daily life. Sometimes my heart
is more easily drawn to tell God about what I am grateful for and then there
are days when it seems like annoying inconveniences, unmet longings and false
expectations about how life should unfold muffle my voice
of gratitude.
Let's soak in a fresh perspective on I
Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all
circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I've heard this
before and perhaps you have also but I think it bears repeating. The Scripture
does say to give thanks "in" all circumstances and not necessarily "for" all
circumstances. This is a big relief to me.
Suffering and loss created by our
circumstances can cause our hearts be in pain. The reality is that God grieves
also over brokenness in our lives and the affects on us and those around us. At
the same time, He calls us as His daughters to a higher hope and joy beyond what
we are experiencing around us.
I am learning to ask God what it is that
He wants me to know about His friendship with me through my circumstances. I am
also learning to say that I will embrace all circumstances He has in my life as
an opportunity to know His love and purposes more deeply even when they don't
seem to make sense.
Beyond the pain, there is also a reminder
to give thanks for what we might think of as the mundane. Were we able to get
out of bed this morning? Did air conditioning and/or heat keep us cool/warm in
our homes? Do we have consistent access to the internet? Do we have nail
files, wardrobes, and blow dryers? What simple interactions with others will
bring a smile to our faces this week?
We can thank God by faith for the ways
He is working: restoring the brokenness, providing for us, conforming our
character to become more like Jesus, inviting us in to a deeper knowledge of
Himself and protecting us from the evil one. I am SO GRATEFUL to share the journey with YOU.
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