As we are moving into holiday season and are getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas, it brings us to a time of evaluation. We look back at the past year and remind ourselves at the weeks and months that have transpired.
Some of us have new jobs, new homes, a brand new baby, or moved into a new neighborhood. Others have developed new relationships, have settled into a new church, or they are exploring new areas of education and training. Some have experienced frustrations, setbacks, disappointments, or confusion in one or more areas of their lives. The past year could have been a difficult year for those who lost a loved one. Life is a package of ups and downs!
I am reminded of Paul’s words penned while he was in midst of life’s challenges:
Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. Philippians 4:11-13 (MSG)
in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Regardless of our circumstances, God is still in control and He holds our life and our future. When we have plenty, we praise him. When we are need, we still praise Him. When we are making progress, we praise Him, and when we have a setback, we praise Him. When things go our way, we praise Him. When things don’t go our way, we still praise Him. In everything we give thanks because He is worthy to be praised. Nothing catches Him by surprise; He is true, faithful, and unchanging. He is the one we can truly rely on 100% of the time, and He will not let us down.
We desire to know His will in every situation, but we always know that in every situation it is His will for us to thank Him. We praise Him because we know in every situation we have an opportunity to know Him better, and we also have the opportunity to become more like Jesus!
Life can be hard at times, but we know that there is a higher purpose than what we see with our natural eyes. We praise God for his grace that gives us the ability to overcome every obstacle including overcoming ourselves which most of the time is the biggest obstacle!
Today take the time to praise Him regardless of your circumstances and allow God to take His rightful place in your heart and in your life!