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| Photo taken in Florence, Italy - beautiful hand painted ceramics - pictures of joy! |
It is easy to be thankful for the good things in life, but very difficult to be thankful for the hard. Yet, thanking God for the hard things may be the true test of having a grateful heart.
"Always be joyful. Never stop praying.
Be thankful in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
(I Thessalonians 5:16-18)
I think that I have learned to be thankful, and have been walking the path of gratefulness in all situations, but recently I have found myself resisting some circumstances that are hard right now, wanting to control them, and wanting them to go away. Letting them control my thoughts. Letting them discourage me.
For when we leave the path of gratefulness, we always lose something of great significance. How can we be joyful when we are not grateful?
For when we leave the path of gratefulness, we always lose something of great significance. How can we be joyful when we are not grateful?
" ... when troubles come your way,
consider it an opportunity for great joy."
(James 1:2)
My heart is filled with thanks that God patiently leads us back to the path of gratefulness when we stray off. His Spirit within, always helping us. Helping us in our weaknesses, giving us insight, and opening our eyes and hearts to Truth, and to His Love. We do not need to try to control our circumstances; instead, we need to rest, and be grateful for the circumstances we find ourselves in. For these difficult circumstances give us opportunities to grow, to see God at work, and to experience true joy.
"For you know that when your faith is tested,
your endurance has a chance to grow.
So let it grow ... "
Thank You, Lord, for some present circumstances that, even though they are difficult and I want them to "go away", they are the things that cause me to run to You. And You will use all things for Your purposes in my own life, and in the lives of those I love.
Some great reading on this topic from a blog I read this morning: click here.
Some great reading on this topic from a blog I read this morning: click here.
A beautiful post ~ Thanks for your sweet visit. Blessings ~
ReplyDeleteAmen, I say softly from my seat. I can understand. I, too, like to think I can control an outcome, when I am a fool for even thinking that. Only God is in control, but what wonderous things occur when we let go. :o)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post! Beautiful photo of Italian hand painted ceramics! They make me smile, just to look at their vibrant colors!
ReplyDeleteYour words are beautiful. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteCherry, I love how you take pictures of things that give your heart rest. The pocket you're in seems to call for an endurance. And here you are, encouraging us to rest right along with you too. Thank you!
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