Our devotional today encourages us to be thankful in all things. Me? I've heard that phrase so much, it's kind of lost its meaning and influence, but actually, the Lord is admonishing us to take an appreciative path through our day. In fact, 1Thessalonians 5:18, reads; "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you".
But why?
God gives us choices in our lives, He never forces us through 'doorways' or transitions in our faith and trust with Him. He's patient though, and so ready for us to walk more intimately and closely with Him; He IS after-all always with us. Closed doors in our lives does not always mean 'keep out'; rather, it means He is challenging you to trust Him and have faith in His leading. Thankfulness changes your perspective of these closed doors.
When we learn to 'give thanks in all things', we actually change a negative circumstance (the door is closed) into a positive one (an opportunity of trust/faith in His will). I know... it seems and feels very odd, at first. But, with time this approach will actually soften the fear or dread of facing challenges and possible trials.
Like the Psalmist said in chapter 100:4, "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name". When/as thankfulness flows freely from our heart, mouth, and very lives, He naturally draws closer to us and even better... those closed doors are no longer a discouragement or even a problem. By faith, we just grab the knob, give it a strong and determined twist, and by the strength this new faith has given us, we walk right through and into a closer fellowship with the Lord.
Today, try (genuinely) expressing heartfelt gratitude for something not-so-nice that happens to you (you don't make it through a traffic light, that special shipment doesn't arrive as scheduled, even a difference in the predicted weather). Watch those thankful openings the Lord 'does' give you!
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