NIAGARA FALLS OR DRIED RIVERBEDS

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ.” I Thessalonians 5:18

There are seasons when recounting one’s blessings is effortless. Like the Niagara Falls, thankfulness over flows into a beautiful list of unending praises to God. Then, there are other seasons when the landscape of life appears void of good things and blessings are scarce. It’s on this occasion the practice of writing a thankful list is hindered. Instead of a paper brimming over with words, it remains empty like a dried-up riverbed.

The Bible says, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ.” (I Thessalonians 5:18) Often this verse is misinterpreted to mean, “Be thankful for all circumstances.” This misunderstanding causes the pen to hesitate…who can honestly say, “I am thankful for my cancer, the death of my son or the loss of my job?”

However, taking a second look at the Scripture we discover that it actually says, “Be thankful in…” This two letter preposition transforms our ability to write a thankful list. We don’t have to be grateful for what’s happening but in all things we can find something to praise God for. Even during the hardest of times blessings can be found. It might be the kindness of a friend, an unexpected package or the light of the sunrise. Search for blessings like gold, and when found, the desert land of your journal will delight in stroke of your pen once again.

REFLECT

Are you in a Niagara Falls or dried riverbed season of life? In both situations, search for small moments of God’s goodness, mercy, grace and love. Write them down and keep the list nearby.