In all things give thanks.
Easier said than done, right?
How about when you experience less than thankful circumstances?
And what about those times when life is hard and painful?
Or just boring?
Or, perhaps . . . you fill in the blanks.
I have a feeling that we all have moments when thankfulness is the furthest thing from our minds.
Sure, many of us agree that thankfulness isn’t just for Thanksgiving. But, actually getting to a place of everyday gratitude is the real challenge.
Too often we get consumed by worry, discouraged by the mundane and unsettled by the unknown.
Here are three places where I feel the need to grow in thankfulness and how God’s word in spurring me on.
May I never forget to give thanks for…
1. My past: Remembering where God has brought me from
Let me start by saying this: I’ve had a pretty good life overall. And God has given me many reasons to give thanks. Yet, there’ve been some pretty painful moments in my life. And even now, in my lowest moments when the memories of those difficult times come flooding back, I feel anything but thankful.
Yet, God has shown me through His faithfulness that He is worthy to be praised.
Reflecting on the past with thanksgiving, inspires me to thank Him all the more.
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
In all things give thanks even as you reflect on the past.
2. My present: Being grateful for the here and now
I think this is the place where I need a double dose – make that a triple dose – of thankfulness. In those seemingly mundane moments it’s hard to be grateful. When I’m washing dishes or picking up dirty socks, let’s be honest…thankfulness is but a distant memory.
The truth is my thankfulness should not depend on my circumstances but rather on God’s goodness. And I know that regardless of what happens in my day, God’s goodness doesn’t change. He still deserves my praise and so I rise above the mundane to give him thanks, simply because He is good.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1
In all things give thanks even as you live the day to day.
3. My future: Looking forward to the new thing God is doing
When I’m consumed with worry about my future, I’ll admit that it’s hard to be thankful. But you know what? God’s past faithfulness and His ever-present help in the day to day gives me hope that He will be there for me tomorrow too.
God goes ahead of me to make a way. And so, I thank Him for the future that He has planned for me, even when I don’t know the details.
His faithful love will be with me today and tomorrow just as it was yesterday.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:19
In all things give thanks even as you face an unknown future.
If you got the sense that I need to grow in thankfulness in every area of my life, you would be right. I’m a work in progress, that’s for sure. But perhaps you are too, and I pray my words have offered you some encouragement.
Perhaps you realize that you’re not the only one who needs to grow in this area. Maybe after reading my this you see that you’re not so bad off after all. Either way, I pray you were blessed.
Tweet ThisWhether it’s my past, present or future, I want to be rooted in thankfulness.
In all things give thanks. Yes, ALL things.
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How about you?
What are you thanking God for today? Be sure to thank Him for your past and your future too!
Wishing you blessings,
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Yes, I hear you & am with you on this one Marva!
Blessings,
Jennifer
Thank you, Marva! Wonderful thoughts. I particularly relate to being thankful where God has me right now. We often want to be somewhere else and even wish our lives away. Like we say we can’t wait until marriage or to have kids or for Christmas to get here or for spring or for a summer vacation. 🙂 So gratitude in the here and now changes my perspective.
Marva, good morning from a few doors down at Holley’s! I love the simple 1-2-3 theme here … why do we make our gratitude, our praises so much more complicated than they need to be! God has done so much for us present, past, and perfect.
I’ll be taking your beautiful theme with me as I go.
Lovely meditation – thanks for sharing : )
Beautiful Marva and such a great reminder for all of us. God is the same today, tomorrow and forever. His love never changes. May we all give thanks for all his goodness of the past, present and future. Love this!!
Thank you so much, Eva. I also love how your post about becoming a Psalm 23 woman resonated as well. Such wise and encouraging words! Thank you.
Number 3 resonated with me so much! I’m a bit anxious about the future, what’s next. Yet, in a heart of gratitude that anxiousness is dissolved and contentment takes it’s place.
I know that feeling all too well, Lynn. I hold on to the verse in 1 John that says there’s no fear in love. Knowing our loving Father holds our future gives us the courage to move forward in faith. Let’s embrace His promises together, dear friend.
Blessings to you!
Beatiful Marva! I have really spent the past few days trying to reconnect and be truly grateful for the beautiful life that God has given me. Thank you for the reminder to look where He has brought me and thank Him for the memories He made, is making, and will make.
You’re welcome, my friend. It’s easy to get caught up in all the festivities at this time of year, so I love that you’re being intentional about reconnecting with what matters most.
Blessings to you and your beautiful family for Thanksgiving and beyond.
In all circumstances, past, present and future… what a great reminder, Marv! Thanks for urging me on in thankfulness my sister.
You’re welcome, Carlie. We need these little nudges now and again.
Blessings to you, my sister. I’m so grateful to be able to do ministry with you. <3