Be thankful in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:8 nlt
This is a verse that is not difficult to understand. We are to be thankful no matter where we are or what we are experiencing be it good or bad, easy or hard, happy or sad. Why? Because we belong to Jesus and whatever is happening it is part of God’s will for us.
Okay, that was easy to type. But not always easy to believe. When life is going according to my plans or without problems I have no problem accepting that all is just as God wants for me and I am thankful without hesitation. But when my plans go awry and there are unexpected interruptions and problems or there are circumstances not to my liking I tend to question God’s will and there is little thought of being thankful.
Then Jesus reminds me of this promise;
For I know the plans I have for you,
declares the LORD,
plans for welfare and not for evil,
to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 esv
He has plans for us. Anything that happens (or doesn’t happen) in our lives cannot change what He has planned. With Him we have a future and a hope. That is reason enough to be thankful in all circumstances.
Nothing is a surprise to Him. He knows those who belong to Him. He has plans for us. Nothing will prevent God’s will from being done.
Thank you, Jesus!
My word for this year is forgive. It has been a journey of lessons. What follows is some of what I have learned.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Col 3:13b niv
When I read the word you that means me. I am to forgive, it is a statement, not a question or suggestion. I am not to forgive in my own way but as the Lord does, completely without hesitation or restrictions. 
When the Lord forgives me He doesn’t keep reminding me of what He has forgiven me. It is done. So it is to be when I forgive someone. Forgive and be done with it. Forgive once and for all. It is to be the same when I need to forgive myself. I mustn’t hold onto regrets and “if only’s”.
I want to be truly forgiving of others, readily, without holding back or waiting to be asked for forgiveness. I often have a hard time letting go of hurts and offenses. My heart needs to be softened. There is only one way to accomplish that softening; on my knees in prayer. I may need knee pads, I can be pretty stubborn!
Blessings this day of grace,
