The Art of Thankfulness: Thriving Through Life's Awful Storms

Blessings in Disguise: How Gratitude Shines Through Life's Darkest Hours.

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus concerning you."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Let us first recognize the inclusive embrace of "everything." It beckons us to find gratitude not only in the bright moments of life but in the shadowed corners as well. It bids us to express thanks in times of joy and abundance, but equally so in moments of challenge, adversity, and even pain. It's important to see this as Gods will for you.

"GIVE THANKS in ALL things."

The Word does not specify that gratitude and thanks should be reserved solely for the good, the blessings, the mountain-top experiences, the smiles, and the laughter that grace our lives. No, it unequivocally embraces the entirety of human existence, beckoning us to extend our thanksgiving to the awkward and the painful, to the moments of struggle and uncertainty, and even to the tears and confusion that may wash over our lives.

The question that naturally arises, then,is: Why? Why are we encouraged to offer thanks to God amidst the struggles, the tears, and the perplexities of life? WHY?

When we express our thanks in "all things", we are engaging in an act of profound faith (obedience) and trust. We acknowledge that every facet of our existence, whether joyous or challenging, plays a role in shaping our character and spiritual growth of ourselves and those around us.

In the midst of struggles, our gratitude becomes a testament to our unwavering belief that God's wisdom extends beyond our understanding. The phrase "my thoughts are not your thoughts" we often repeat is derived from Isaiah 55:8 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord."

This verse underscores the profound difference between human understanding and God's divine wisdom, emphasizing that God's ways and thoughts transcend human comprehension and are often beyond our understanding. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the need for trust and faith in His divine plan, even when we may not fully grasp it.

Most often, in the absence of understanding,

when it comes to Gods Word,

it boils down to simple OBEDIENCE. Through tears, our thanks become an offering of surrender, recognizing that even in our vulnerability, we are held in divine embrace. Amidst confusion, our gratitude emerges as an act of resilience, affirming our faith that clarity will eventually dawn. By giving thanks in all things, we align ourselves with the divine purpose that weaves through the tapestry of our lives. We affirm our trust in God's providence, understanding that even the most perplexing circumstances can be instrumental in guiding us toward greater wisdom and profound spiritual transformation.

In essence, we give thanks not only for what we comprehend but also for what eludes our understanding, for it is in the totality of life's experiences that we uncover the boundless love and wisdom of the divine, illuminating our path toward a deeper, more profound connection with our Creator.

It is imperative that we relinquish our attachment to the idealized depictions of society often portrayed in movies. We must Stop placing undue emphasis on the pursuit of a flawless marriage, impeccable children, faultless careers, an idealized church, or picture-perfect neighbors as the sole criteria by which we judge the quality of our lives and measure not only ourselves, but others.

In truth, the Bible does not advocate nor endorse such an unrealistic standard as the ultimate measure of life's goodness or adversity. Rather, it encourages us to embrace the multifaceted nature of existence, recognizing that life's beauty often lies in its imperfections and complexities.

The Scriptures remind us that challenges, imperfections, and moments of vulnerability are inherent aspects of the human experience. They are not indicators of failure but opportunities for growth, understanding, and compassion. The pursuit of an unattainable perfection can lead to disillusionment and dissatisfaction, masking the genuine blessings that exist within the tapestry of our everyday lives.

John 16:33 (NLT) says "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

One of the most prevalent sources of these lies is the portrayal of an idealized life in the world of entertainment and social media—where the glimmering illusions of how our lives should appear often lead us astray. At their core, the Movies and Social Media Platforms are often fueled by the allure of material desires, the seductive pull of worldly pleasures, and the relentless pursuit of personal vanity. They thrive on the lust of the eyes, the allure of the flesh, and the arrogance of worldly achievements.

Sound familiar?

1John 2:16 KJV says, "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

1John 2:15 KJV says, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

These words offer a stark reminder that the treasures promised by the world are fleeting, often leading us down a treacherous path. The glittering facades we encounter in entertainment can deceive us, creating unrealistic expectations and fostering discontentment.

In our pursuit of contentment and authenticity, it becomes essential to anchor ourselves in the enduring truths of scripture. We must recognize that the world's fleeting promises may captivate us momentarily, but they cannot offer the lasting fulfillment found in a life rooted in faith, humility, and spiritual abundance.

It is in those vulnerable moments when we begin to see our lives through the distorted lenses of the lies propagated by our adversaries through the use of movies and entertainment—those spiritual forces operating in the unseen spiritual realms "the power of the air", tirelessly working to lead us astray with their deceits. This is the point at which we stumble and, regrettably, often succumb to the enticement of sin.

Ephesians 2:2-3 says. "Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, (satan) the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

If you judge your life by the standards of the world's culture instead of God's Kingdom culture, you will be led to offense and a heart full of offense.

Proverb 17:9 (NIV) says,

"Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

Ecclesiastics 10:4 (NIV) says,

"If your boss is angry at you, don’t quit! A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes.

You may have come across these sayings regarding offense:

"To be offended is a choice we make; it is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us by someone or something else." - David A. Bednar

"Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die."

"People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing." - Will Rogers

"Offense is like a boomerang; it often returns to hurt the one who throws it."

The Bible provides clear guidance on how believers should conduct themselves regardless of circumstances, emphasizing self-control and living according to the fruit of the Spirit. Here are the fruit of the Spirit as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience (long suffering), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another."

Our response to all circumstances should reflect the fruit of the spirit. If we are unable to respond accordingly, it's best to step away until we can. It's better to maintain silence than to engage in bickering. Proverbs 21:19 (NIV) states that it's preferable to live in a desert than to reside with a quarrelsome and nagging spouse.

"Why?" you may ask. Well, every situation teaches us something and helps us to grow, even if we may not realize it at the time. Perhaps we are setting an example for our child, or unknowingly inspiring our husband, brother, or colleague. We may not know God's plan for the moment, but we should always give thanks. It's important to remember that God is present when we praise Him. This idea is derived from Psalm 22:3 in the KJV, which says, "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabits the praises of Israel."

In today's culture, the Israelites in this context can be seen as a representation of believers, the faithful, and those who worship God. The verse conveys the idea that God is not distant but, rather, is intimately present when His people offer praises and worship. It serves as an encouragement for individuals to engage in praise and worship, emphasizing that God takes delight in the sincere adoration and worship of His followers.

When you express gratitude and praise, it is written in the Word that God is present. So, even when you are faced with difficult circumstances, rather than complaining, if you choose to give thanks and praise, you are inviting and maintaining His presence in your situation. This is a powerful truth.

POWERFUL.

Read it again: ...." if you choose to give thanks and praise, you are inviting and maintaining His presence in your situation. "

Although it may not align with our human understanding, the truth of God's Word remains steadfast. If you are experiencing conflict with your spouse or your child has been incarcerated, do not give in to the enemy's lies that suggest the situation is hopeless. Instead, praise and trust in the Lord despite the circumstances.

It is important to never agree with the enemy OR anyone speaking from the world's point of view. The kingdom of darkness understands this better than most Christians. Many Christians spend their time complaining about what is happening in the world, watching and discussing the news, and debating it. However, we should instead pray against it and rebuke it.

When God looked at the people of Babel, He saw a unity that was in opposition to Him. He recognized the destructive power of this godless unity, and He swiftly dealt with it. Genesis 11:6-7

And the Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another’s speech.”

UNITY is POWERFUL.

Get UNITY with the right people and watch God move in your situation!

Matthew 18:20“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

It is crucial to rebuke any words that do not align with God's teachings without hesitation. You must not allow negative influences (worldly) to have any impact on your life or family. Take a firm stand and speak only the truth, no matter the circumstances. Always ask for wisdom because there is a time and a place for all things to be confronted.

Both you and God exist as spiritual beings. Consequently, it becomes crucial to embrace a life guided by faith, rather than solely relying on what is visible and our fleeting emotions, which can ultimately lead to failure. The adversary understands this truth. The adversary anticipates your reactive responses to life's various situations. In contrast, God encourages us to cultivate an attitude of patience and gratitude, for He said, "Give thanks in all things."

By responding with the fruits of the spirit instead of merely reacting, you effectively strip the powers of darkness of their hold over you and stand firmly in the Kingdom of God, where power is limitless, blessings are abundant, and grace is plentiful!

www.KingdomRevelations.com

Amanda Allen

Writer & Blogger