There are so many things going on in life now. It seems as though things are piling up on each other. We must understand that life brings a lot to the table. The year 2020 felt like a curse for people in the entire world. Have you ever wondered “why it’s so hard to give thanks when you’re feeling sorrowful?’”
I did when I lost my aunt and then my grandmother a week later. A month later, I was injured to the point that I had to miss work for a month and as a result, was laid off. I felt overwhelmed. Too much was going on too fast. The year 2020 came to show us that we have no control. COVID-19 and the spirit of death is searching everywhere trying to recruit new members. In all things, however, we must “Choose to give thanks”.
And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 5:18-20 (NKJV)
There’s a wide variety of things people find to do to get their mind off of their jobs, a broken home, abuse, joblessness, heartache, loneliness, etc. Drugs, alcohol, partying with full crowds, anything hype to get their mind off of their current situation. The Bible says that we shouldn’t do this to eliminate the pain because it only leads to more chaos. But rather, “choose” to always be led by the Spirit. (We would realize that he prepares us for all hard times life has to offer.) After showing us before it happens, it doesn’t hurt as much.
It also says to keep joyful songs on our lips instead of gloomy songs. Sing from your heart and your spirit and not from what you can see with your eyes or what you cannot understand. The objective is to think about the good that God blessed you with even though there may be trouble.
I knew that my family members were gone, but they both had a relationship with God. With that in mind, I Chose to Give Thanks. I might be injured and jobless, but God blessed me with friends and family to help me and support me in my struggles. God would never leave us in despair. We can choose to hang our heads in sorrow for what we lost or we can choose to praise him and thank him for what we have.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 (KJV)
Everything happens for a reason and God is in control! Whether we believe it or not even the person we meet on a daily basis is for a purpose. God the porter is constantly building our character. By shaping and molding then by breaking and mending. Yes, “all things work together” for ‘good’. Either we believe his word or we don’t.
It’s not easy at first, I learned how to give thanks. A God that sees and knows all, a God that feeds the sparrow and cattle, how much more would he do for you? God got us, so Choose to Give Thanks!
Amen blessings
Be encouraged