“To “give thanks to Him for all things,” is, indeed, a very difficult duty; for it includes giving thanks for trials of all kinds; for suffering and pain; for languor and weariness; for the crossing of our wills; for contradiction; for reproaches; for loneliness; for privations. Yet they who have learned submission will not find it a hard duty; for they will so entirely love all that God wills and appoints, that they will see it is the very best thing for them. Hereafter they will see all the links of the chain, and how wonderfully even those have fitted, which at the time seemed to have no adaptation or agreement. This belief enables them to praise Him, and give thanks now for each thing, assured that as it has been, so it will be–that the God of love will do all things well.” — Priscilla Maurice
We have all faced our measure of trials and sorrow but the Lord seems quite serious about His desire for us to be thankful – not just thankful, but thankful in everything.
Some people’s sorrow seems worse than others, but it has been said that if all our trials and sorrows were put in a pile we would each choose our own. Perhaps that is because the Lord tailor makes each of our situations to help us conform to the image of His Son.
These are just a sampling of the verses you will find on gratitude if you search His Word:
“Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4
“Give thanks in everything”—1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks for everything”—Ephesians 5:20
“Pray about everything with thanksgiving”—Philippians 4:6
“Do all things without murmuring”—Philippians 2:14
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thes 5:18
I think Melody Beattie explains it beautifully in this quote:
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
~Melody Beattie Fullness of Life
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
I would love to have the opportunity to keep in touch with you. Please sign up to be notified of new entries and to receive my Free E-zine. (Your address will not be shared)
Please sign up and receive your free copy of Dan’s Doodles I
Phyllis Sather
Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness at:
© 2013 Phyllis Sather
All rights reserved
Find me online:
Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness
Facebook
Pinterest
Purposeful Planning/Facebook
Twitter
Kind Corrections Editing
Gilded Gears
Sometimes I link to:
Check out my Link Up page for other places I may link to during the week
6 Comments
momstheword
The thing is, gratitude really blesses us more than the gift we’re expressing the gratitude for. Because a thankful heart will help you keep your thoughts on what God has given you and what you have to be thankful for, and keep your eyes off of a difficult situation or what you *don’t* have.
I can’t remember if I’ve ever asked you to please put a courtesy link back to the meme. I don’t see it here and I don’t see in on Monday’s link up on your links page, so thought I’d mention it. Thanks for linking up to Making Your Home Sing Monday!
Phyllis
I really enjoy hearing your thoughts on gratitude.
Sylvia was my mother’s name – I had one of those flashback moments you talk about on your site.
Linda, Interesting when our children teach us what we’ve taught them – right?
Linda
I was reading Louise Hay years ago and she said to just be thankful for the bed you are sleeping on and for the sheets and blankets. Some people in the world don’t have those things. I remember reading a book Praise the Lord Anyway and when my little 4 year old son didn’t like something I’d say, “Praise the Lord anyway, Brian.” Well, one day I was dusting a plate,a favorite decorative antique plate, and it fell. It so happens my little Brian was there and said, “Praise the Lord, anyway, Mommy, right?” And I said, “Yes, praise the Lord anyway, but I don’t feel like it right now.” well, just a tidbit memory that was brought up when I read your post. Praise the Lord anyway. Linda
Sylvia R
Giving thanks for all things can sometimes, indeed, prove very difficult. But it’s an exercise in faith: in trusting that God is good and God is love and that He really will work all things together for us for good if we love Him. And doing the exercise not only promotes a more joyful attitude, but also strengthens that faith. And later on, we can usually see the good that He has brought through the “bad.” Thanking Him (without difficulty!) for the wisdom expressed in your post!
Phyllis
It certainly does Ashley. Thanks for sharing.
Ashley Pichea
Gratitude turns our eyes onto the Giver, taking them off the circumstances!