Incredibly Grateful

Life is complicated. We face numerous problems and concerns every day. Sometimes living can feel like a complex geometry problem with points, lines, surfaces, and higher dimensional analogs - all begging for a solution that requires us to show our work.

God wants to help us with life’s complications. His intervention, however, requires that we ask for aid in operating our ruler, compass, protractor, divider, and set squares. Geometry also involves theorems which provide proven answers by reasoning and acceptance of mathematical truths. Outside of mathematics, reasoning and accepted truths can lead us astray.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 states, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

There are several key points in this passage.

1. Always be joyful. Experiencing joy is an inner heart issue. Happiness occurs based on circumstances, but joy remains even when circumstances are difficult.

2. Never stop praying. Prayer is a lifestyle. It is wonderful to set aside special times for prayer. Those extended times of uninterrupted solace refresh us. But prayer is also whispered words of help while driving, contemplation while reading, and brief spiritual moments while spending time with family and friends.

3. Be thankful in all circumstances. The Bible also tells us that a thankful heart is like medicine. Thankfulness heals and restores our physical bodies, our emotions, and our spirits. Our thankfulness should focus on God and His ability to work in and through our lives.

4. This is God’s will. God always has a plan. Our lives don’t surprise Him. The Lord is omnipotent - all powerful. He doesn’t get tired. He doesn’t take naps and leave us to our own devices. His will is that we enjoy life on earth and in eternity. He knows that joy keeps us strong, prayer keeps us focused, and thankfulness keeps our attitudes healthy.

5.For you who belong to Jesus Christ. What does it mean to belong to Christ Jesus? Other versions of the Bible say, “…in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Belonging to Christ Jesus is acknowledging His great concern for mankind - His concern even extended to His death on behalf of our sins.

I am incredibly grateful for so many things in my life: my husband, my family, my church family, my community. Above all else, however, I am grateful for Jesus’ love and concern for me.

Tonya Jewel Blessing is the award-winning author of three books: The Whispering of the Willows, The Melody of the Mulberries, and Soothing Rain. The books are available on Amazon. Tonya is also the pastor at Malta Assembly of God church in Malta, Montana, and the co-director/co-founder of Strong Cross Ministries South Africa. Her email address is [email protected].