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Give Thanks

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

Photo courtesy of pixabay.During the month of November, I scrolled through Facebook and was inundated with “I am thankful” posts. They were beautiful, encouraging—but short-lived. So far in December, they are few and far between, and by January they will probably be extinct.

The fact that it’s difficult to acknowledge and appreciate blessings on a regular basis throughout the year is disappointing. But I’m as much a culprit as anyone else.

As the holidays come and then leave, I will understand the pressure that comes with paying the Christmas bills. When the school year begins, continues, and then ends, I understand the pressure of keeping children on task. I understand the frustration of homework, projects, and parent-teacher conferences. After summer ebbs on, I understand the guilt of not having a family vacation.

Giving thanks amidst the piles of bills, the worry of success, and the guilt of being good enough is difficult. Life overwhelms us. We spend our days trying to keep our heads above water, but we are still directed to give thanks in all circumstances. Doing so is God’s will.

Giving thanks is not just for November—or when it is easy. God’s wants our thanks when times are good and when they aren’t. He is present in both cases.

As we examine our positions in life, let’s hone in on the blessings and give thanks for even the smallest portions. Satan thrives on misconception and enjoys obscuring the positive and exaggerating the negative so that we believe we have nothing to be thankful for.

Regardless of what season you find yourself in, give thanks to the One who carries you through your days and lays your path. Give thanks in all circumstances, especially when it’s difficult. 

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)


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Angela Jamison

Angela Jamison is a mother of four and works with young children as the director of a Christian preschool. After struggling with infertility, she and her husband entered the world of foster care where they have been overwhelmed exploring the path laid before them by the most perfect Father. When she is not entertaining children, Angela loves to read, write, and connect with mothers and parents to encourage and reiterate God’s design for the toughest job on earth.