Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thess. 5:18 (ESV)
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. Rom. 8:28 (NIV)
Heavenly Father, there are some days when it’s critical to remember that you call us to offer thanks in, not for, all circumstances. The gospel isn’t about magic thinking or make-believe-living, spiritual anesthesia or circumstantial amnesia. In fact, the gospel is the only place in the universe where we don’t have to pretend about anything. That’s one of the many reasons we love you, and ARE grateful to be your children.
For those of us for whom recent days have highlighted the brokenness of our family system—grant us grace and freedom to love well in the messes and trenches.
For those of us in delightful circumstances and fresh joys, remind us that you are the God from whom all blessings flow—credit where credit is due.
For those of us bearing the weight of cancers or Alzheimer’s, mental/emotional illness or addiction, or some other health challenge, grant us wisdom, peace, and the assurance of your nearness.
For those of us weighed down by some combination of the 6 o’clock news, things breaking unexpectedly, transition stories, and parenting challenges—center our hearts, and give us a vision of the occupied throne of heaven.
For those of us who hear the condemning whispers of Satan louder than the consoling voice of Jesus—refresh our experience of the gospel, and remind us that nothing can separate us from your love. Jesus plus nothing is our righteousness, period.
Father, in these, and other scenarios of difficult circumstances, reassure us that you are very much at work—for your glory and our good in ALL things. For you have called us—that is, you have subpoenaed us to an eternal life of intimacy with yourself. You want us, you have us, and you love us. Hallelujah, now and forever we are yours. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ merciful and mighty name.
