11-22-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 22, 2023
When Paul tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (I Thessalonians 5:18), it is important to recognize how he did not say for us to give thanks “for” every circumstance. I hope you see the difference—“in” vs. “for.” To be thankful in all circumstances does not mean you like the circumstances. In fact, you can hate them. But like you, I have known some really bad moments in life when the circumstances were not gratitude worthy, but I was still able to offer a word of thanks for one of many things—friends who were checking on me, a spouse whose love was not in question, there was still food in the refrigerator, or maybe the most basic, a God who would be there no matter what. The situation can suck, but if we have been practicing gratitude in the better moments of life, there is a good chance that we will be able to find a little gratitude even in the more difficult times. To be a follower of Jesus, you don’t have to like every moment of life. I don’t hit the “Like” emoji every time I go to Facebook, as there are some posts that deserve a tear or even a little displeasure. Yet so often, for those who have been practicing their awareness, a reason for gratitude comes into focus.

Continue to encourage my practice of gratitude, Merciful God. There is much that I glean from doing some of the intentional training when life is on a little more of an even keel. It doesn’t keep the rough stuff at bay, but I believe that with your help, I am better able to weather the challenges and to give thanks in those circumstances. Amen.