Thirsty for Thankfulness: Day #8

      Thirsty for Thankfulness: Day #8

Are we to always be thankful? --Even when times are tough? 

While God certainly understands our full range of emotions, the right answer is yes, we are to strive to be thankful in all circumstances. Christian music is filled with lyrics that share both the agony and the joy of human existence. Scripture also reveals the highs and the lows in the lives of God's people. Today's passages will help us reflect on how we handle life's challenges.

Our routine: 
  • Sit down together. 
  • Enjoy the cup of blessing that can be provided by a good dose of Scripture. 
  • Stay and linger with our Creator as we reflect on our blessings as revealed in the words we read each day. 
  • Close with words of prayer to help deepen our relationship with Almighty God.
Scripture: 

Philippians 4:11-13
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

Isaiah 63:7
"I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, 
the deeds for which he is to be praised, 
according to all the LORD has done for us--
yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, 
according to his compassion and many kindnesses."

Psalm 30
"I will exalt you, O LORD,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me. 
O LORD my God, I called to you for help
and you healed me. 
O LORD, you brought me up from the grave; 
you spared me from going down into the pit. 

Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; 
praise his holy name. 
For his anger lasts only a moment, 
but his favor lasts a lifetime; 
weeping may remain for a night, 
but rejoicing comes in the morning. 

When I felt secure, I said, 
'I will never be shaken.'
O LORD, when you favored me, 
you made my mountain stand firm;
but when you hid your face, 
I was dismayed.

To you, O LORD, I called; 
to the Lord I cried for mercy; 
'What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me;
O LORD, be my help.'

You turned my wailing into dancing; 
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 
that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. 
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever."





Reflection: 
In the good times, help us to praise God. 
In the challenging times, help us to seek God. 

Prayer:
Almighty God, each of us has a time line in which we can trace the work of Your Hands in our lives. Help us to see you in all circumstances. Strengthen our faith so that we can truly learn to be content in all circumstances, resting in the knowledge that You have a plan and You are in control. Thank You, God, for Your work in our lives for being the source of our joy and our dancing. In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

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