Have you ever experienced those wonderful moments of pure peace & contentment when things seem to be fairing well? Ahhh it’s such an amazing feeling.
Then suddenly out of left field a text or call comes through from a loved one in crisis & that peace seems to be shattered…or is it?
This recently happened to hubby & I on two fronts, so in this season of Gratitude I thought we would do a little exploring on what it means to be grateful in hard situations.
But first let’s grab our cuppa’s, a treat & get comfy. We’re having crazy weather here on the East coast of Australia at the moment with heat waves, cold days, wild storms & everything in between in what’s supposed to be our season of Spring!
But I have a relaxing Chai tea Blend today & a delicious gf white Chocolate Raspberry bar as a treat.
As it’s a cooler & windier day we’ll be enjoying our time indoors. Let’s begin…
Peace & Contentment
Over the last few weeks I’ve been posting about contentment, not only in general but most importantly in our spiritual lives. If you missed those posts you may like to catch up with We all love Treats! & We all need Sanctuary! .
Now these recent concerns have once again confirmed to me just how crucial it is to go straight to the Lord in prayer. And not try to deal with these situations in our own strength, but being grateful that we have a great intercessor in Jesus;
“For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us.” Romans 8: 34 BSB
Let’s get personal;
As I’ve been praying for these latest situations, not knowing all the details, but then again they’re not necessary because God knows them. A few scriptures have come to mind one being;
‘pray without ceasing’ (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
I covered what this means & how to do this a few years ago in;
A Word of Advice
The other scripture was;
“Be strong & courageous, do not fear or be dismayed… with us is the Lord our God to help us & to fight our battles.” 2 Chronicles 32: 7-8 NASB
How amazing is our God! Not only does He love & care for us daily but fights our battles in so many areas, if we but allow Him! As the following scripture tells us;
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.” Ephesians 6: 12 AMP
How grateful I am that we have a Saviour who intercedes for us at the right hand of God the Father & who sends heavenly hosts to go to battle for us.
Gratitude opens the Door of Blessings
What I’ve noticed over the many decades of travelling with Jesus as my Lord & Saviour is that it’s important to acknowledge & be grateful for what He’s doing in our lives & the lives of those we love. And especially for answer to our prayers.
For I’ve seen & experienced that gratitude opens the door to great blessings in ways we couldn’t even imagine in our wildest dreams!
May we focus on being grateful for even the smallest everyday things in our lives, as well as the big, knowing that our true peace can not be broken when we rest in Jesus.
And may we see God’s blessings through new & grateful lenses not just in this season but throughout all the seasons in life.
Until next time,
Jennifer
You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook
& in Prayer
© 2025 Jennifer M. Ross, All Rights Reserved. Photo by Natasha Fernandez on Pexels.com
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Snuggling in for a cuppa with you. Oh were so blessed to have Jesus to intercede for us. I’m truly humbled and my heart is full of joy. Your message made me think of joy too. That we can be joyful even through hardships. Happiness is fleeting but joy is lasting.
Thanks so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend. I’m so happy you’re here.
It’s a pleasure to share with you sweet friend & I love that you’re snuggled up with a cuppa in your winter month as you join me here.
Your following statement is so poignant;
“Happiness is fleeting but joy is lasting.” Amen!
Especially the Joy of the Lord 🤗
How cool is it that Jesus is INTERCEDING for us? Interceding is the kind of prayer that takes effort and a fervent passion. It lifts my spirit up when I realize who is praying that kind of prayer for me!
Also, loved “gratitude opens the door to great blessings.” Amen! And, may I point out 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says it’s God’s will for our life to give thanks.
It’s very comforting to me too knowing Jesus is interceding not only for me but all the members of my family too Jerralea. Lovely having you drop by today 😊
Jennifer, wonderful post. Thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you Stephanie ☺️
Jennifer, I loved reading these sweet reminders. It was these words which made me pause >> “… being grateful that we have a great intercessor in Jesus.” Yes, may I be grateful and give thanks for Jesus, who is ever making intercession for me, for us. We never have to go through circumstances in our strength. I am most grateful for the Lord! Blessings to you!
Blessings to you too sweet friend. Yes we have an amazing God & Saviour in Jesus, such a comfort as we traverse this world Joanne.
Continually praying, a heart of gratitude, and contentment are all great ways to live before the Lord, Jennifer.
That they are Lisa, lovely having you join me here today. 😊
Having an attitude of gratitude during times of struggle is evidence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
That’s true & is truly amazing Barb, as it goes against the natural man, who wants to grumble in the struggles.
Jennifer, these are sweet, powerful, precious Scriptures. Thank God for His Word! Weekend blessings to you . . .
Amen! Thank you Linda! 😊
Dear Jennifer,
Thank you for these encouraging thoughts on prayer and gratitude today. I have found this to be so true also:
For I’ve seen & experienced that gratitude opens the door to great blessings in ways we couldn’t even imagine in our wildest dreams!
But today as I read your words, I was so touched to think that I can have gratitude to be able to pray blessings over my loved ones! We serve such a merciful God!! Blessings to you dear friend also!
We can indeed Bettie, blessings to you too sweet friend 💕
Hi Jennifer! Loved reading a word of advice again.
I love this…
“I’ve learnt that it’s about allowing God’s Spirit to interact with my spirit in the everyday things of life, in opening a time of free communication with Him from waking to retiring.”
Blessings sweet friend!
Pam
Thank you Pam! Blessings to you too my friend 😊