Gratitude: Peace Lives Here!

The way we view our life, our circumstances, and our current situation will determine our level of joy and peace in this life. We were created for more than just problem solving. Two women/men can be faced with the exact same challenge, however one is devoured by the challenge and the other is victorious in spite of the challenge. What’s the difference? Their view of life and its challenges are very different.

Let’s look closely at an example: Christine (a devout Christian) and Kim (Christian who wavers in faith) are both faced with a life-threatening illness. Christine looks to Jesus and remain thankful, trusting that God knows everything about her and cares for her needs. She knows that the Word of God says in,

 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

As a result, she understands that God has her best interest at heart and will faithfully deliver her the way he deems best. Additionally, Christine remains prayerful as mentioned in,

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Having a heart of thanksgiving daily and in every situation will invite the peace of God to rule in our hearts. Knowing that she is a part of God’s master plan and believing that He will take care of every intricate detail concerning her life, Christine places her complete trust in God. She gracefully submits to His Word in:        

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.                                                               

Kim on the other hand, may have a more difficult time coping with this challenge if she doesn’t abide by the Words of God. She may find herself focused on the problem thus spend countless hours worried, stressed, and overwhelmed about what may happen. She may feel defeated or she may even pray, but never believe God hears her, so she continues to worry.  In addition, she prays but doesn’t believe in the Word hence her faith is shaky. This worry can add unnecessary stress to her current situation possibly worsening the outcome. The Word of God in:

James 1:5-8

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

A life with Christ at the center of everything brings peace, love and joy. The believer knows that Christ died for their sins and is now advocating for them at the right hand of God. The believer prays without ceasing. The believer understands the Word in Philippians 4:7.

Philippians 4:7

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

Believers remain thankful in all situations,

believers remain prayerful

and believers STAND BOLDLY on the Word of God. 

~Be Encouraged~

Photo by Luke Pamer on Unsplash