" . . .Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." [1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)]
In the above passage Paul teaches a hard lesson and at times in my life, it seemed absurd. How and why would I be thankful in all circumstances? What about when someone in my family was sick or recovering from an accident? What about when I am in mourning? What about when finances are in a mess and there is no work?
Over time in my walk with the Lord, I learned that no matter what is happening that is difficult, causing sorrow or engendering fear, when I praise the Lord I am able to receive His peace with the help of the Holy Spirit. Praising the Lord and telling Him that I trust Him opens the channel to receive His provision and blessing, Thanking Him in faith even before I receive what I need lets the Lord know I trust Him.
When I keep seeking His face, the Holy Spirit reveals the Lord to me more clearly. When I realize He is responding to me -- even if the response is not exactly what I asked for -- or not at all what I asked for, I have learned to trust that whatever is happening, He will use it for my good.
The physical, mental emotional and spiritual changes that take place when I am able to praise the Lord, thanks Him and trust Him are amazing. As St Paul also writes in Philippians 4:4-9, the revelation that God Who is Peace is with me when I focus on positive and worthwhile attitudes and circumstances that are part of what God has given me or done for me in the past.
No matter how difficult life may be in the present moment, the faithfulness of God and the realization the good and loving activity on His part toward me in the past encourage me.
The Holy Spirit opens the eyes and ears of our heart to reveal God in Jesus Christ to us in special ways when we take the time to consciously be open to Him. No matter what is happening in your life, I am praying that you will give the Lord a chance to show you how much He loves you and how much He wants to provide for you and bless you.
May the Lord continue to bless and keep you and yours.
In His Grace, Joy, Mercy, Peace and Love, as ever, Beloved -- In Jesus Christ, I am your friend/Mom/sister/cousin/niece/daughter/aunt/pastor.
In the above passage Paul teaches a hard lesson and at times in my life, it seemed absurd. How and why would I be thankful in all circumstances? What about when someone in my family was sick or recovering from an accident? What about when I am in mourning? What about when finances are in a mess and there is no work?
Over time in my walk with the Lord, I learned that no matter what is happening that is difficult, causing sorrow or engendering fear, when I praise the Lord I am able to receive His peace with the help of the Holy Spirit. Praising the Lord and telling Him that I trust Him opens the channel to receive His provision and blessing, Thanking Him in faith even before I receive what I need lets the Lord know I trust Him.
When I keep seeking His face, the Holy Spirit reveals the Lord to me more clearly. When I realize He is responding to me -- even if the response is not exactly what I asked for -- or not at all what I asked for, I have learned to trust that whatever is happening, He will use it for my good.
The physical, mental emotional and spiritual changes that take place when I am able to praise the Lord, thanks Him and trust Him are amazing. As St Paul also writes in Philippians 4:4-9, the revelation that God Who is Peace is with me when I focus on positive and worthwhile attitudes and circumstances that are part of what God has given me or done for me in the past.
No matter how difficult life may be in the present moment, the faithfulness of God and the realization the good and loving activity on His part toward me in the past encourage me.
The Holy Spirit opens the eyes and ears of our heart to reveal God in Jesus Christ to us in special ways when we take the time to consciously be open to Him. No matter what is happening in your life, I am praying that you will give the Lord a chance to show you how much He loves you and how much He wants to provide for you and bless you.
May the Lord continue to bless and keep you and yours.
In His Grace, Joy, Mercy, Peace and Love, as ever, Beloved -- In Jesus Christ, I am your friend/Mom/sister/cousin/niece/daughter/aunt/pastor.
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