Shortly after both my parents died, my siblings and I visited their home to go through their belongings. We each picked several keepsakes to take with us. They laughed at my first pick—the cookie jar.
I picked that jar because it represented sweetness to me. Mom always stocked it with her town-famous cookies, and I always emptied it! The other day, I thought of one more thing I wish I would’ve taken—the piano bench. That bench signified something else extremely important to my childhood: discipline.
I can’t count the times my dad had me lean over and put my hands on the bench, as he sternly applied the “Board of Education” to my backside. Though I didn’t like it then, what happened at that bench largely influenced who I am today.
These symbols of my childhood are both great examples of how God loves us. His love is sweet and strong, accepting us where we’re at today, but loving us too much to leave us there. This reality is also why sometimes when we pray, He changes our hearts before He changes our circumstances.
If you’re in the middle of a tough time today, I’d encourage you to read two passages of Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 and 1 Chronicles 16:13-36. Both teach us about the power of thankfulness, and how this one attitude adjustment can ultimately transform our hard circumstances. The first gives us the spirit of thanksgiving God blesses. The second offers the substance of thanksgiving God blesses.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 gives the spirit with which we can approach thankfulness. It says to honor those who train us in God’s ways (verse 12), to hold God’s work in high regard (verse 13), and to keep ourselves to God’s standards (verse 14). It tells us to rejoice always (verse 16), pray continually (verse 17), and give thanks in all circumstances (verse 18).
The passage challenges us not to quench the Holy Spirit (verse 19) or hold prophecy in contempt (verses 20-21), and to avoid all kinds of evil (verse 22). When we do these things, it promises us we will experience the faithfulness of God (verse 22).
1 Chronicles 16:13-36 gives us the substance of our thanksgiving. First, it reminds us of our adoption (verses 13-18). The reality that God chose us should produce a gratitude unlike any other!
Then, it reminds us of our protection (verses 19-27). Verse 12 tells us that God “allowed no one to oppress” the Israelites. He covered them, and He promises to do the same for us. This is another reason for immense gratitude! Last, it reminds us of our redemption (verses 28-36)—how God freed us from sin’s presence and power. Our hearts should constantly overflow with gratitude for our salvation!
Friend, whatever tough circumstance you find yourself in today, know that thankfulness has the power to transform it, as it first transforms your heart. When we do the hard stuff, God always does the good stuff!
