Giving Thanks, Always

https://youtu.be/6-1ro5ZOFCc

Praise Before My Breakthrough ~ Bryan and Katie Torwalt

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 NIVUK

These three short verses are commands every Christian is expected to follow. There are some days that verse 18, “give thanks in all circumstances,” might be the hardest to follow. Last weekend, there was a tragedy in a town about two hours from us. Recently, some friends have passed away. Over the past two weeks, I have been struggling with some health issues. But in all these things, we are called to give thanks.

The notes in my Bible for verses 16 and 17 are about choice and focus. We can choose joy and focus on Christ, both of which produce a thankful heart, regardless of circumstances. Or, we can choose to stew in our mess and focus on the problems, both of which will likely lead to a bitter heart and depressed mind.

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The phrase, “And we know,” is both something we discern and learn over time as God continues to show His faithfulness in our lives. “God works,” is God infusing His power with ours, to assist us in our circumstances. “For the good” doesn’t mean that things are good, but that God is working in us and using all things for our good. He does this so we’ll see His love and faithfulness, and then share what He’s done, bringing glory to God.

Friends, on this day that we purposefully set aside to give thanks, let us remember three things:

1. Be joyful - even when things are hard, God’s Spirit produces joy.

2. Pray continually - keep communication lines open with God. Even prayers that begin in pain and anger can end in beauty and peace.

3. Give thanks, always - the Lord Almighty, God of Angel Armies, is on our side, working all things for our good.

...If God is for us, who can be against us? ~ Romans 8:31 NIVUK

©Heather Potts 2021

Count It All Joy

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds ~ James 1:2 ESV

Yesterday, after my workout, when my brain was clear, Holy Spirit whispered, “Count it all joy.” Immediately, I remembered my pregnancy with Elizabeth. I was very sick at the beginning of my 1^st trimester, so much so, that I ended up in the hospital and it was a whirlwind of crazy and scary events. Even when I returned home, everything was an upside-down mess. I remember my dear friend called me and said, “Joy is a choice.” She told me the story of when her mom had been pregnant with her and some awful things were going on in her mom’s life. But one day, she decided to finish her pregnancy with joy. My friend told me that every day, her mom had to choose joy, but she did and when my friend was born, her name was going to be Joy. It ended up being something else, but that’s another story. My friend’s story impacted me so much, that not only did I choose joy for the remainder of my pregnancy, we named our daughter Elizabeth Joy.

After digging into James 1:2, I discovered that “Count it” is also translated “Consider,” whose definition is to “reflect on,” and I laughed! I LOVE how God knows me so well. He grabbed my attention with “joy,” but then brought it around full circle, calling me to reflect.

What’s going on in your life? As the year closes and a new beginning is on the horizon, what things can you choose to count as and walk through with joy? Choosing joy doesn’t necessarily change things, but it can make a long, hard road easier. And you never know, you just might begin to enjoy life.

©Heather Potts 2017