1Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In every thing give thanks.” Those are great words, for they remind us that no matter what we are going through we are to give glory to God. Psalm 103 says, “Bless the Lord at all times.” There are a lot of things we have no control of, but if we are going to live a life of faith then we are to “rejoice in the Lord always,” remembering that He is still the love of our lives, that He is in control, and that He is full of goodness. As long as nothing can separate me from the love of Christ, then I remain an overwhelming conquerer in this life, because being loved by Him and loving Him back is the best part of life. If you are madly, crazy in love with somebody, then everything around you can fall apart, but as long as that person is still there, you are still rejoicing.
Here are some more amazing verses, Ephesians 5:19-20 (AMP) “Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise, and making melody with all your heart to the Lord, At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.” Verse 20 says to not just give thanks IN all things, but to give thanks FOR all things. How is that possible?
For one, we have to remember that the One who is full of goodness takes everything, even the bad stuff, and causes it to work together for good. He doesn’t cause everything, but He does redeem everything.
Secondly, I believe all the stuff in life, and particularly the bad stuff, makes me lean into Jesus, cultivating my union with Him at deeper levels. The scripture says, “Deep calls to Deep.” Sometimes I think that means Deep Poop propels us into the Deep Places of God’s heart that 1Cor.2 talks about. A good gardener always uses poop to help things grow. The bottom line is, if it gives me Jesus, then I’m grateful for it, even the poop.
Well, have a great day walking in an Attitude of Gratitude.