All circumstances

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

-I Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV

I am convinced gratitude is the spiritual secret to a having a healthy soul.

God knew we, humans, struggle with this discipline. That is why, I believe, he peppers His word with commandments to give thanks.

And this thanksgiving is NOT dependent upon our circumstances!

In fact, I think the worse the circumstances, the more important it is to give thanks. That is putting the “all” into the “all circumstances” part of giving thanks.

When I am giving thanks, something shifts in my heart. I start seeing God’s love for me. It transforms my heart from a place of entitlement to a place of receptive grace.

Instead of a shaking fist raised to God, I lift open hands of worship to Him when I give thanks.

For what or for whom, do you give thanks today? Let God know in a prayer of thanksgiving.