A Mom's Prayer

Give Thanks in All Circumstances
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Give thanks in all circumstances! Have you ever struggled with that passage? Here we are in the month of November. Thanksgiving is less than a week away. We've started preparing for our celebrations by planning menus, sending invitations, designing tablescapes, making shopping lists….
It's easier to think about being thankful at this time of the year. It's expected! It's what we do! Or maybe not, maybe your income has been cut or lost in the past year, maybe you or someone you love is fighting a serious illness, maybe depression is a constant companion, maybe you will be alone for the first time this year, or maybe you are grieving the loss of a loved one. The list could go on and on.
Paul wrote to the people of Thessalonica that it is "God's will that they would give thanks in all circumstances." That's a hard passage! Do you think he was telling us that God wants us to thank Him even when we don't feel like it.
I do, but I'll admit that thanksgiving doesn't always come easily? How can we be always joyful, constantly praying, and continuously thankful? Trust in God!
Let's look some passages that encourage us to trust God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. John 14:1
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. Psalm 56:3
My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:7-8
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Trust in our Lord, brings hope, and hope makes thanksgiving in all circumstances possible. Trust and hope that God is able to take our current situations and work them for our good and His glory. May your Thanksgiving celebration be prepared with hope and celebrated with praise!