As I was reading a fellow blogger’s post this morning the following question formed in my mind;

Does Gratitude translate to Thanksgiving or even Thanks-living?

Thanks-living is a term that Charles Spurgeon used & when I read it recently it really struck a chord with me.

At this time of the year there seems to be a great deal of focus on Gratitude leading up to the celebration of Thanksgiving. But is it just at this time of the year that thankfulness should be expressed?

Thus, I had to ask myself the following question too;

Does the gratitude I feel towards God translate into truly  being thankful to Him in all circumstances?

For we’re told in Thessalonians 5: 18 the following;

“…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” NKJV

Hmmm, another question forms in my mind; am I thankful for this season of Chronic illness & pain in my life?

Let’s grab our cuppa’s, a treat & get comfy to reflect upon the answers to these questions. It’s crazy weather here on the east coast of Australia as it’s cold & rainy again when it should be Sunny & warm, so we’ll be sitting inside today.

Gratitude verses Thankfulness

I think before we go any further we need to define these terms because they’re not the same.

Gratitude is;

‘a strong feeling of appreciation for someone (or something) especially in what a person has done for you’

Thankfulness is;

‘conscious of a undeserved benefit received.’

So gratitude is a feeling of appreciation where thankfulness is being aware of having received a benefit that is undeserved. Hmmmm!

That’s really interesting, as I feel very appreciative to the Lord for all of His provision.

But am I fully aware of the benefits I receive from God that are undeserved? I don’t think I can consciously say that I’m fully aware of all the blessings He bestows upon me everyday.

I am very aware that I only have Salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross, His resurrection & ascension. And I’m so very grateful & thankful that Jesus is my Lord & Saviour.

Giving thanks in all circumstances

This one I believe many hesitate upon, especially when we have situations in life that are really tough to go through, the following are some examples; the death of a loved one, financial difficulties, relationship issues, divorce, chronic illness, prodigal children, abuse & the list could go on.

How do we give thanks in these situations when our hearts are breaking? 

Having gone through some of those situations above & now living with several autoimmune conditions, I can share that it’s definitely a process of choice to be able to give thanks in all circumstances.

In fact I recently lived through an example of this as  a very concerning situation arose for a dear loved one. I prayed so hard for this situation that I gave myself a Migraine! 

Although, that Migraine taught me a very valuable lesson & we’re never too old to learn! The lesson was the following:

God’s answer to my prayer did not depend on how hard or how much I pray but on His grace, power & mercy alone! Thus I really had to reflect upon the following;

Deep down did I think God’s answer to prayer was based upon the length, depth & breadth of my prayer?

I had to go & sit with the Lord by the waterfront with this one, as my core belief told me I didn’t believe that God only answers prayer that is prayed with great earnestness or fervour. Because God’s answers to prayer doesn’t depend on man’s efforts. But my behaviour was telling me otherwise! Hmmm!

In that moment I started praising & giving thanks for God’s intervention in the situation & for the answer that would certainly come, for I had committed it to Him & knew He was working as He promised &;

“…I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12 NKJV

And everytime I was tempted to be concerned (we’re in a spiritual warfare), I would praise & give thanks to my Heavenly Father, for the answer that would surely come.

You see to give thanks in all things, is not giving thanks for the actual chronic pain or the loss suffered like some fatalistic or sadistic belief system.

But rather giving thanks that we have the greatest Mediator & Intercessor in the Son of God, Jesus Christ to bring our prayers, supplications & petitions before. Knowing that He brings those before the Father who answers all prayers with;

• a yes or
• wait I’m still working
• or a no that’s not my best will but I’m answering in a much wiser way.

As His answers are always wise & arrive just at the perfect time, not necessarily in our timing.

Thanks-living 

As I mentioned above when I read the quote from Spurgeon last night on  Pam’s Blog, it really struck a chord as I had been consciously Thanks-living since that Migraine but hadn’t had a name for it;

“I think that it is a better thing than Thanksgiving: thanks-living.

How is this to be done?

By a general cheerfulness of manner, by an obedience to the command of Him by whose mercy we live, by a perpetual, constant delighting of ourselves in the Lord, and by a submission of our desires to His will.”

~Charles Spurgeon

May thanks-living become our permanent way of life all year through not just at this time of the year.

Until next time,

Jennifer

You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook

& in Prayer

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