Let me just be honest, and say that this time yesterday, I
dreaded the thoughts of writing a Thankful Thursday post! So I just decided NOT to write one! I was
wallowing in self-pity of some of my circumstances, and I could see nothing on the
horizon of which to be thankful!
I knew my heart was in the wrong place, yet I didn’t have
the courage to ask God to search my heart at the moment, because I didn’t even
want to see the mess in there!
After a couple hours of a self-justified pity party, I
finally relinquished “my control” of my situations, and cast all of my
anxieties on Him(1 Peter 5:7), knowing that He cared for me and what I was going
through, no matter how big or small!
He lovingly reminded me that He is in control (Isaiah
45:5-7) of everything, and I just needed to focus my attention on Him, because after
all, He is the source of the help that I needed at that moment (Psalm 121).
I meditated on 1 Peter 5:7 for a few moments longer, in awe
that He really did care for me and my circumstances!
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
He was gentle with my
emotions, just like a loving Father, but then came time for the lesson from the
ordeal! He reminded me once more of how selfish I tend to be, even when I am
dwelling on my present circumstances. If it is something that I ultimately have
no control over, then I cannot allow it to become so much of my constant
thoughts. It’s becoming somewhat of an idol! Do I not trust Him to take care of
me? YIKES Not the kind of exposition I was looking for, but I DID ask for Him
to search me and show me, so He did just that!
1 Peter 5:7 WAS a great verse, but I had to then look at the
surrounding verses, (
1 Peter 4 – 5).
Though it talked of how to live for God, and suffer for the name of
Christ, it all came together and struck a chord with 5:9,
“Resist him, standing
firm in faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are
undergoing the same kind of suffering.”
That was just it…it seemed the best way
I could trust God most, and also be able to resist the enemy most, was to stand
firm in my faith, and look to the needs of those around me; they are going through
similar things! God spoke directly to my heart at that moment: No matter how
big or small I thought MY circumstances were, He had it all under control. I
needed to focus my efforts on pleasing Him through meeting the needs of others
according to my gifts that I have been blessed with (1 Peter 4:10). LIGHT BULB
I love it when His Word leaps within my spirit! It all
clicked at that moment, and it furthered my contentment in “Knowing HIM” “and
the fellowship of his sufferings” (Phil. 3:10). For some reason I had it in my
mind that fellowship with his sufferings had way more to do with
persecution, when in actuality it rang true for my present circumstances! WOW,
GOD!
Whatever circumstances you may find yourself in today, I
encourage you to relinquish control of them, and acknowledge His sovereignty
over ever single situation!
Have faith!
Have trust!
Cast all of that anxiety on
Him!
He DOES care for YOU!
Then, stand firm in that faith and help those in
need around you! Use those gifts He gave you to serve others, and administer
His grace! He’ll take care of you in the process and give you the wisdom you
need to work through your circumstances(sufferings)!
So, put it lightly, I was reminded of all my blessings to be
thankful for once more! Here are just a few that I have been reminded of this
week:
71.
A roof over my head
72.
Food to eat
73.
Clothes for my growing kids
74.
His Word being so powerful in my life
75.
Gifts I’ve been given to bless others
76.
He has control (instead of me)!
77.
The wisdom of my husband
78.
Fellowship of friends
79.
My crockpot
80.
My son’s humor
81.
My church family
82.
Tide STAIN RELEASE
83.
Kari Jobe
84.
The lessons my kids teach me daily
85.
FAMILY :)
What are you thankful for today?
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!”
~ Psalm 100:4 (ESV)!
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