Consistent and Thankful

By Pam Ford Davis

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJ).

I receive the Lord's blessings on a daily basis. In times of plenty and ease, it is not difficult to offer up praise and thanksgiving to God. Do I selfishly limit my boundaries to seasons of bounty? I need to develop a plan of consistency, to include gratitude in all circumstances.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJ)." Unlimited thanksgiving will move me out of my self-centeredness and afford the opportunity of expanded witness. People will notice.

Those who know me best, detect that thankfulness in "everything," is certainly not my natural response. Paul did not instruct believers to thank God for everything, but "in" everything. That's the key to keeping his instructions. I can begin by thanking God for his consistent mercy.

The evil and hardship I encounter do not spur me to praise and thanksgiving. Instead, they cause me to worry. It is difficult, if not impossible, to worry and worship God at the same time. In everything I experience, I can give thanks to God for his faithfulness and love.

"We ought to give thanks for all fortune: if it is good, because it is good; if bad, because it works in us patience, humility, contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country." ~ C. S. Lewis

With God all things are possible! Published articles in Mature Living Magazine, Secret Place, Daily Devotionals for the Deaf, Light from the Word Daily Devotional. Available now in book store: FORGET-ME-NOT DAILY DEVOTIONAL http:/ebooks.faithwriters.com/ebook-details.php?id=520

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