"When we are willing to give thanks to God in all things, not just some things--to consciously thank Him even when we don't feel grateful--something in us begins to shift. We begin to see life as Christ sees it, full of opportunities rather than obstacles. (emphasis mine) And when we view life through eyes of faith, fear just has to flee."
Joanna Weaver
Having A Mary Heart In A Martha World
Waterbrook Press 2007
p. 41
Everything I read, for going on a second year, seems to at least "mention" thanks-giving. Like fads of coffee shops, health clubs, and massage salons, a Christian or church sometimes initiates a theme or discipline and everyone else jumps on.
I remember in my early Christian days Merlin Carothers encouraging us to Praise The Lord for "everything!" For a dropped pencil, a new job, a car wreck . . . and I did. "Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!" The idea, as I recall, was more about God working all things together for good. But honestly, I "worked it" more like a superstition. If I do this--God will do that.
I don't think what I'm experiencing, now, is a fad. I believe God is planting a truth; in me, maybe in you--maybe in the Body of Christ. I'm seeing how connected thanks-giving and faith are. No, I'm not thanking Him "for" war, child prostitution, or even a difficult person. Thanks-giving is not so much the words I say as much as the attitude that's building in my heart.
It looks a lot like trust--like believing in God's unfathomable love even when . . .
EverGrowing,
Lonnie
