Journeying with Resurrected Jesus

Journeying with Resurrected Jesus

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Thankful Thursday

While it might be easier to praise God when you are happy and things are going great in your life, it is just as important, to thank Him in the midst of trials, adversity and DISAPPOINTMENT. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul tells the church to rejoice always and give thanks in all circumstances. Notice that it is “in” all circumstances, not “for” all circumstances.

So, on this Thankful Thursday, let’s think about this…..is it possible to give thanks in the here and now, always, even in the midst of financial issues, marital difficulties, cancer and dementia diagnoses, job loss, disobedient children, loss of a loved one, fertility issues, on and on…?

What if God is calling us to search for more, keep our eyes open and stay focused on Him during these times of disappointment? Perhaps Jesus wants us to walk with Him (like the disciples on the road to Emmaus) and talk with Him so He can show us a lasting contentment and thankfulness that cannot be shaken. Circumstances will come and go, but because of our Savior, our live with Him is eternal.

In my times of disappointment, I want to lift up my head and rejoice in the Lord. I want to claim God’s promise that when I turn to Him in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving and present my requests to Him, His peace which transcends all understanding will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4-7).

How can you (or how do you) give thanks in the midst of disappointment? What are you thankful for today?

Jesus, thank you for journeying with us. Sometimes we don't recognize You, but we believe You are here. There are times when we are sad, disappointed, and even a little lost in this world, because the expectations of our humanity get in the way. When You make yourself very evident, though, our hearts burn within us. Will you help us to recognize that and trust it. Your presence can make us brave. Today, we commit ourselves to You. We want to be transformed by Your presence in our lives and Your power in our bodies. We belong to You, and that Truth makes us glad. Amen.