OUR Theme Scripture for the month of November is I Thessalonians 5:16-18. I challenge you to start reading it every day as you work to commit it to memory.
SCRIPTURE: I THESSALONIANS 5:16-18
Rejoice always;
Pray without ceasing;
In everything give thanks;
For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
NOTE the “in everything give thanks” phrase. The “giving thanks in EVERYTHING” is the difficult part. It’s easy to “give thanks” for the blessings during good times but not so much when we struggle with health issues, family problems, loss of job, over commitments, or other personal crisis. When we rest in the fact that our life is not filled with “happen chances” or “misdirected interruptions” but rather “divine appointments” it helps bring a sense of purpose and calm to our otherwise haphazard, frenetic routine. GOD has a plan and we are a part of that divine plan — that is pretty awesome! When we start “thanking Him” for the struggles as well as the blessings we find deeper, richer meaning to our existence. Through the struggles we find it necessary to FOCUS on Him or be crushed by the struggle.
It takes an “Attitudinal Shift!” Is that easy? …Certainly not! Is it automatic?… No, not at first but it can be. Is it fulfilling? …ABSOLUTELY! However, WE must be purposeful and intentional in where we direct our attention in troubling times. As one writer said (Keith’s paraphrase of the quote) “Focus on your struggle and you stumble. Focus on God and your struggles tumble.”
Today – be intentional to FOCUS on GOD not your stresses or problems and see what happens!