It is easy to be thankful when life is easy and there are no struggles. However, when life is tough and you feel like you are treading water with your head tilted back so water doesn’t get in your mouth or nose…these are the times when choosing thanksgiving is crucial.
When you accomplish something, it is easy to be thankful. When certain life milestones occur, it is easy to be thankful. A wedding, a baby, a new home, becoming debt free…things that are easy to give thanksgiving. They tend to be comfortable. We have a genuine smile on our face. It is easier to laugh. You are more relaxed.
How about the times when life is tough? Loss of a job, home or loved one. Rebellious children. Health issues. Finances are out of control. Everything is breaking down and needing repaired. The saying, “When it rains, it pours.” These are some examples of when thanksgiving doesn’t come naturally or easily. We tend to be in our head more. It is harder to laugh. Your body is tense.
I recently read this, “The vulture looks for death and decay and the hummingbird looks for life and nectar. They both find what they seek. The enemy wants us to focus on the negative; the have-nots. But God’s Word tells us to be grateful and focus on “that which is praiseworthy”- on our blessings.”
Our enemy, Satan, has an agenda…to steal, kill and destroy. He doesn’t want us to identify the good in our life. He doesn’t want the Lord to get any honor or glory…any recognition. He will forever be in misery and he wants others to join him. So when life is easy, I choose to be thankful to my heavenly Father for the blessings He has given because He is the One Who gives. And when life is tough, these are the times when I need to choose to be thankful because…there are positives, blessings there…that He has given. I have to choose to see them. To recognize them. To voice them.
Some days it is easier to see the blessings…and other days not so much. Those are the days when I need to remember that I have an enemy who doesn’t want me seeing the blessings…that is why it is crucial to choose. These are the days when I grab my journal and write down my blessings…even if I only see one. Yes, there are days when the enemy has stolen so much from me and I can only see one blessing. One is better than none. One is hope. One still points my mind back to Him, the Author and Perfecter of my faith.
I am ONE story,
~ Kristy
John 10:10a ESV (English Standard Version)
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
Philippians 4:8 ESV (English Standard Version)
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV (English Standard Version)
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Ephesians 5:20 ESV (English Standard Version)
20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ