I Will Praise the Lord!

 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

I wonder, what made the Apostle Paul include this comment in this letter to the church? It is definitely a good practice to be thankful and show gratitude. Most people find it easy to give thanks in pleasant situations, but cannot understand why it is necessary to give thanks during the difficult moments in life. Difficult moments are part of the human experience but when you can find an opportunity to give thanks for the goodness of God, it would change you in the midst of your difficult moment.

This verse was written by the Apostle Paul years after Mary was entrusted with the awesome responsibility to give birth to a baby, who would change the world.  Although she knew that life would not easy, she took the time to give thanks in Luke 1:46-55. Scholars called her song of praise, The Magnificant. Magnificant is a Latin word meaning magnify. After Elizabeth blessed Mary and her baby, Mary broke out with a sound of praise. “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” Mary did not look at her situation and ask, “Why me?” She looked at God and who He is and said, “My soul magnifies the Lord.”

Mary is not alone in difficult situations. Difficult situations are part of each life. There is a tendency to withdraw and blame when the going gets tough. But this favored woman of God chose to give thanks in the midst of the pain and emotional turmoil in her life. There are those who want to wait until circumstances are favorable to give thanks. But when you are favored by God, you learn to give thanks with tears in your eyes and pain in your heart. This is a good day to make a change. Redirect your focus. Don’t look at your problems; look at God who greater than all the problems and like Mary, praise the Lord!

Thought for Today: Friend, in difficult moments, praise God.

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.