Give thanks

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Some versions of theirs verse state: rejoice alway! Pray constantly! Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you on Christ Jesus (HCSB).

Giving thanks in everything is different from being thankful in all circumstances. Giving thanks in everything places the emphasis on ‘everything’ that happens to us. Some of the everything’s is hard to handle. Paul had his share: shipwrecked, whipped, stoned, starving hungry, freezing cold. Yet, he was able to say give thanks in everything. We may have a lot of everything’s, some of them can be downright brutal, some are rejection, and criticism.

 I am reading a book by Bill Johnson and Jennifer Miskov about saint of old. I am currently reading about John Wesley. This man was stoned, rejected and shunned by the established church, yet, God was with him with signs and wonders.

Today I left my previous accomodation and now am is a delightful Christian home that is so different. My hosts are English and Swedish. They have a house that is back from the main road and a garden. Tomorrow I will potter in the garden and do some weeding. I am grateful for the reprieve. My previous room was next to offices which operated from early morning to late in the evening. There was a dog on the roof above who often barked at neighbouring dogs.

My God is good to me! Amen!