Thanksgiving in all things . . .

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

We have talked about being joyful always and pray continually in the past two blogs. Now for "giving thanks in all circumstances".

Today I experienced an attitude adjustment, a paradigm shift as I meditated on verse 18.

Lordship of my life . . . I am not my own but bought with a price. And what a price it is!

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Gal 2:20

No matter what the circumstance - in light of this verse and others - death to self is a reality. This life I live is not about me. Each day, every part of that day is lived by faith in Jesus who loves me and gave Himself for me. Therefore, every circumstance is directed by Him for an eternal purpose.

His hand is orchestrating not just my life but each of His children's lives to grow His kingdom and bring honor and glory to the Father. 

So when I am blind-sided, surprised or totally shaken by circumstances, my response is to be thanksgiving, quickly followed by, "Lord, work this out for Your glory and honor and may my life  show You."

Thanksgiving is delivered with joy! Right back to verse 16 to be joyful always!

And in being joyfully thankful I express this in communication with the Lord and ask Him to direct each circumstance. I am not swayed by events or "life happenings" but secure in my growing relationship with Him, in my continual communication with Him, thanking him for the joy that flows from Him to my heart knowing I am in God's will!

 Again, amazing!