Inspired by. . . frogs
I've been enjoying the Thanksgiving: Focusing Our Hearts on Gratitude study with Good Morning Girls this past week. It has been a great way to refocus and prepare our hearts for the upcoming holidays.
Textured with Kim's Autumn Burst
In Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul tells us to:
"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, give thanks,
because it is God's will in Christ Jesus that you do this." 1 Th 5:16-18
As I was thinking through the application of these verses, I was reminded of a picture my dad used to have taped up in his room. It was of a frog holding tightly to the neck of an egret who was attempting to have him for lunch. Maybe you've seen it before:
This world is that egret. Trying to steal our JOY (vs. 16) , discourage us from PRAYING (vs. 17) and convince us to move our focus off God (vs. 18) and onto ourselves for the answers.
To follow through on my analogy, if the world is the egret, I guess that makes us the FROG!
I don't really mind. I like frogs and, as an acronym, it reminds me to:
Fully Rely On God
Truly, Beloved, we must never, ever give up, no matter what happens {and whatever happens}, we must continue to give thanks to God. Why? Because it is God's will for us {vs. 18}. Could He have stated it any more clearly?
There are days when we will be unable to pray, days when the JOY seems unattainable, but if we can give thanks to God, no matter what, He will restore our JOY and the Holy Spirit will pray our prayers for us!
This is a promise you can count on.
Interestingly enough, when I was searching for the above cartoon, I found this image:
God has a sense of humor, too.
(first, actually)
What's inspiring you today?
With gratitude,
Sharing inspiration here:
Your egret/lizard images remind me of the "Hang on" posters of the cat hanging onto a tree branch posters from the 70s. I do feel like that sometimes! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is just beautiful and funny. I read today about holy laughter and how we can enjoy and be full of joy as well. I found you at The Sunday Community. I would love you to link to Sunday Stillness.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Janis www.janiscox.com
What a fun creative post with a beautiful message! I LOVE your acronym! Blessings to you! Love, Rachael @ Inking the Heart
ReplyDeleteDear June
ReplyDeleteReading this verse today, I noticed something that I have not really "seen" before; God's will for us IN CHRIST! When we abide in Jesus and He in us we sort of cannot be something else but being thankful!
Blessings XX
Mia
Just the encouragement and challenge I needed today, when I'm starting to feel overwhelmed and discouraged by the little things threatening to steal my joy. Whatever happens, I can still be thankful to God for all his blessings to me.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photographyt! Great space here...loving it.
ReplyDeleteHope to see you on my blog:)
A good day to you June, a very beautiful day with this St. Paul's quote .. and beautiful images with which we may add some good humor to such deep and important words ...
ReplyDeleteA day full of joy to you ♥
Dany