Unlocking Thankfulness | Northlands Church

Unlocking Thankfulness

November 20, 2015 | LauraBoal

Unlocking Thankfulness

by: LauraBoal

We can be thankful, even in trying circumstances, because the Lord is with us. That means we never face them alone!

Be happy in your faith at all times. Never stop praying. Be thankful, whatever the circumstances may be. If you follow this advice you will be working out the will of God expressed to you in Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 (Phillips)

Being thankful in the middle of trying circumstances? That’s not easy. In fact, it sounds like a lot of work! If life has made you a champion complainer, though, you’re about to discover a powerful secret. Read on…

• You don’t have to be thankful FOR your circumstances.

• You don’t have to want to stay IN your circumstances.

• But while you’re there, you can still be thankful: because you aren’t there alone!

What would it be like if you went into a difficult job, a challenging situation, or a strained relationship—and you discovered that Jesus was there with you? What if, every time you looked up, you saw His face? What if you could do things together? There He would be, strengthening you, encouraging you, giving you wisdom and insight. He would know when you were at your limit, and He would comfort you.

You’d probably relax a lot with Jesus there. Every once in a while, you might catch a twinkle in His eye and realize that something was even funny. In His presence, fear and hopelessness would vanish completely, no matter how desperate your situation. You might not know how things would turn out, but the journey would be quite an adventure.

Here’s what the Scripture says: From the moment you accepted Jesus as Savior, His presence has dwelt in your heart.

That means, from the first moment you began occupying your circumstances, the Lord has been there. He came in when you did! Thankfulness just helps us tune into His presence, His comfort, His direction—instead of tuning into our own fears.

Dear friend, that is the secret to unlocking thankfulness. We can be thankful IN all circumstances, because we’re never in our circumstances alone. The Lord is always with us! No matter what. We can draw strength, courage, comfort and victory from His presence.

What are you glad He will be doing with you today?

Ephesians 3:16-20, 1 Corinthians 6:19, Philippians 4:6-7

Prayer

Lord, thank you for promising that You will never leave me! Help me to trust You and to be aware of Your presence today.

© 2024 Northlands Church and LauraBoal. Permission to share so long as credit is given.