Learning to be grateful in all seasons.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (Amplified Bible)… “Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

There are a lot of challenging verses in the Bible, but these three have to be ranked as some of the hardest to live out in our daily lives. I have found it quite difficult to always be filled with joy, finding consistency in praying persistent prayers, and being thankful in every situation. Who can do this? How can it be done? Is it possible, or should we just give up before we even try?

I may be thinking about this all wrong, and looking at it from the wrong perspective. Maybe you have convinced yourself that the truth of the Bible is out of touch with your reality, and it’s a book filled with good advice, but impossible solutions to your life situations.

This summer, I will spend a lot of time studying, writing, and speaking about the forgotten discipline of having a heart full of gratitude and the importance of saying “thank you.” I will explore the psychological, emotional, and spiritual benefits of having a grateful heart and mind. Together, we will discover the benefits of “giving thanks in all circumstances” and the spiritual growth that occurs when we learn the importance of gratitude. I am learning as I share… I am reading a great book entitled Practicing Thankfulness: Cultivating a Grateful Heart in All Circumstances by Sam Crabtree

Check back often, as I will be posting about what I am discovering as I learn to live with a grateful heart through all of life’s circumstances. I hope to offer you some encouragement as well as challenge you on your spiritual journey with Jesus. After all, as you will discover, our belief about who God is informs us on how to “give thanks” (to God) in all situations for all of what life throws at you.

Until then, hang in there and keep looking up. Let Jesus help you be strong and courageous.