Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. —1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV
Let’s face it. No one springs from bed every morning full of life and joy and overflowing with thanksgiving. Oh, you have days when all is well with the world and every little thing makes you smile. On those days, your husband’s corny jokes are hilarious, your toddler’s pout when she spills the milk is soooo cute, and the dog’s persistent barking makes you chuckle.
However. On many days you Do Not Want to Hear Another Corny Joke. And that spilled milk causes tears to spill from your eyes because it’s just the last straw. And there are days you want to banish your barking dog to Outer Mongolia and leave her there for a good little while. On those dark days of weariness, sadness, and a feeling of general incompetence at being an adult … thanksgiving comes hard.
So. Here are a few thanksgivings to have on hand for those days when you can’t invent a thankful prayer to save your life. Just so you have a few spares. With love and hugs, I offer them to you on this Thanksgiving week:
Always, Lord, thank You for saving me. You will continue to save me and rescue me as I turn to You.
Thank You for breath. I can inhale and exhale oxygen and keep blood flowing healthily through my veins—and for that I rejoice. I’m grateful to You, the One who first breathed life into Adam and Eve.
Thank You for running water. Wow. I turn on the faucet and out it comes. Hot or cold or even in between … whenever I want it. Thank You that I’m not parched and dying of thirst today. (And Lord, on this hard day, help me thirst for You and hydrate me with Your Word and reminders of Your love!)
Thank You for the annoying humans in my life. The ones I actually love to pieces on days when I’m less crabby and more naturally thankful. Thank You for the way You made them … for their personalities, their quirks, their needs, their potential to change the world for You.
Thank You for leisure time. I sure don’t have a lot of it, but here I am reading a blog. I’m not running for my life or scrabbling for food in a desolate place. I can actually sit in comfort and read for pleasure.
Thank You for food. And drink. Thank You for taste buds to enjoy them.
Thank You for teeth to chew. And a tongue to swallow. And a digestive system that somehow sorts it all out and nourishes my body so that I'm able to move and think.
Thank You for memories of happy days. Thank You for the hope that they will come again.
Thank You for Your forgiveness. Seventy times seven a day You forgive me and then … You love me, You run to me when I turn to You, and You hug me and throw me a party.
Heavenly Father, give me eyes to see all the ways You bless. Even in the hard places help me see the slivers of good. I want to give thanks in all circumstances, happy or sad, filled up or drained out, because always, Lord, You are with me. And with You, I have the strength to face each day. Hold me, Lord! Thank You. Amen.
You are loved,
Sharon
Sweet Selah Ministries
Vision
To encourage a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth that stillness and knowing God matter most—
and will be reflected in more effective work and service
Mission
To offer resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)
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Thank you. This is one of my disappointing days! So I truly thank you!
((hug))
Thank you! I needed this. It's been a rough month with so many ups and downs. But praise God for being with me through all of it!!!
It always brings me an awed kind of joy to hear that a Musings ministered through the Holy Spirit to someone. Glad it helped and I praise God with you for being IN the storm you've walked through this past month. Much love to you, friend.