Thankfulness

From Jesus Calling:

November 24

Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction: You give Me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you Joy (regardless of your circumstances). This is a spiritual act of obedience—at times, blind obedience. To people who don’t know Me intimately, it can seem irrational and even impossible to thank Me for heartrending hardships. Nonetheless, those who obey Me in this way are invariably blessed, even though difficulties may remain.

Thankfulness opens your heart to My Presence and your mind to My thoughts. You may still be in the same place, with the same set of circumstances, but it is as if a light has been switched on, enabling you to see from My perspective. It is this Light of My Presence that removes the sting from adversity.

Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
—Ephesians 5:20

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
—Psalm 118:1

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.
—Psalm 89:15


This devotional book has had a lot of impact on me lately. I'm not sure I've been able to be 'thankful' in our current circumstances, it feels more like a calm acceptance and willingness to walk this road set before me. I can say there's been moments of joy and a general sense of well being. I will say that we do feel covered in peace and carried in His arms during this difficult time. God has made sure His people are surrounding us and caring for us in many different ways, practically and otherwise. For this, I am so incredibly grateful. This road is one I could not walk alone.

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