Inspired by . . . the secret of contentment.
Focusing on Thanksgiving as a Lifestyle, not just a holiday.
Learning to be thankful in all circumstances is not the same as giving God thanks
for cancer or some other terrible event.
God uses tragedies,
but His purposes are always for healing and wholeness, not for disease or destruction.
So being content and thankful in all circumstances means
seeing God's hand and provision even, or especially, in the midst of hard, or even terrible, situations.
The "secret" of contentment therefore is to focus on our faithful, merciful God
and the way He redeems the worst situations in our lives.
Excerpt from Today in the Word
Blessings,
PS Don’t forget to check out my Facebook page for daily inspirations on cultivating a grateful heart! I would love for you to join the discussion!
Note: My inspiration for this series comes from the November 2009 issue of Today in the Word. A ministry of Moody Bible Institute.
#monthofthanks
Sharing inspiration here:
Hi June! I really appreciate your clarity on being 'thankful' for tragedies. It's not the bad thing I give thanks for, but hopefully what I will learn through it. I agree!! I just have to pray for light, so that I don't sit in the dark and wonder why I am being assailed.
ReplyDeleteSt. Paul was thankful in all things, even while in prison. That is a huge example of seeing God in the unfortunate circumstance!
Blessings,
Ceil
Yes, June, your thoughts are spot-on. I believe that contentment is a "learned art" - in that it doesn't come naturally, and we must rely on the working of the Holy Spirit to achieve it. I love that you pointed out that the secret is in our focus. Yes, indeed.
ReplyDeleteGOD BLESS!
I'm thankful for bloggers like you who encourage other believers!
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed Thanksgiving.
A short yet powerful post right here, friend. Much love. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks for the gentle nudge, the needed shift in focus, June ... I've just gotta believe He knows exactly what He's allowing.
ReplyDeleteHugs for you, lovely friend ...
Your blog is such a blessing. You are lifting up so many by sharing these excerpts or even your own words. I always feel the love of God here. I am thankful for you!
ReplyDeleteAmen. Not demanding of God, but trusting and thankful!
ReplyDeleteTotally - I also agree with you and think that this often needs to be clarified. I'm grateful for His grace and all the ways He provides in the hard, knowing that He grieves with me, too.
ReplyDelete