Thankfulness in All Things
Lately, I have been reflecting on my life, my faith journey, and the decisions that brought us to this small coastal town in North Carolina. There have been many times when I have stopped in my tracks and, spontaneously from the joy in my heart, thanked the Lord for His guidance and wing of protection.
A few years ago, we were looking for our next home, hoping to relocate closer to our grandchildren. At that time, there were very few properties available. But God! We now look back at the journey and see how He answered our prayers. He pointed us to a delightful home with the right amount of space, a lovely yard, neighborhood amenities, and just close enough to our family to help but not be in the way. Thank you, Jesus!
And yet, at other times, we get caught up in a tsunami of worry, self-imposed of course. Why do we try to make our own plans and forget that the sovereign Lord, our Abba Father, knows exactly what we need?
As a new believer years ago, I really struggled with letting go of control over so many things. Only through prayer and some bad decisions have I learned to rest in Him, to worship Him on the journey, and to embrace even tough seasons with thankfulness. He is truly Ancient of Days! He always fought for His children and protected them in Exodus, Deuteronomy, and Nehemiah, and all throughout the Bible. Why, then, do I doubt and fail to let peace rule in my heart? I want that perfect peace from Colossians 3:15.
My husband and I grew up at the opposite ends of Pennsylvania, but with similar core family values of unity, hard work, and reverence for the Lord. We both lived through seasons of joy, tragedy, abundance, and victory. Our parents' generation taught us the message, "You must pull yourself up by your own bootstraps." In other words, be self-sufficient, work hard, perform well, handle your own problems, and play to win. These ideas were the key to success in life. And the words still resonate in my head.
While these words were good advice in the natural world, I learned a different model as I grew in my adult faith. I found that struggling and looking for personal glory are man's ideas of success and not always God's plan for us in His Kingdom. Often, the Lord tells us to "Be still and know", Psalm 46:10 (NKJV), to wait and see the wonderful plans He has for us. And further, to embrace His admonishment, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -- Jeremiah 29:11, (NIV)
How often I fail to be thankful for His guidance, His plans for me, and for the waiting season. My pride, desire to perform, compete, and compare myself to others can get in the way. And, if I push forward with my own plans, I may cause someone else to stumble or lose out on a blessing. None of these traits will let the peace of God rule in my heart! So, how do I find that peace for my heart?
I believe that peace and a heart filled with thankfulness are the result of a growing relationship with our heavenly Father. He points us to Jesus! The Scriptures tell us to ask, seek, and knock. In Matthew 7:7 (NKJV), Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find, knock, and it will be opened to you." Follow consistent steps like these: Develop your own quiet devotional time, pray without ceasing, and seek out a faith-filled community of believers to support you, teach you, and hold you accountable. The more you seek Him, the stronger your relationship grows with the Lord, the greater the peace of God will rule in your heart. You will see it, feel it, and be thankful!
Questions for Reflection:
1. How often do you fail to be thankful for God's guidance? When you realize this what do you do about it?
2. Are you currently struggling through a waiting season? If so, pray that God would give you patience and guidance to make it through this time.
