WITH GRATITUDE
Philippians [ESV] 4:12-13
[While incarcerated awaiting execution, Paul declared] I know how to be
brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have
learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do
all things through him who strengthens me.
1Thessalonians [GW] 5:16-20 Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God's will in Christ Jesus that you do this. Don't put out the Spirit's fire. Don't despise what God has revealed.
Gratitude should be desired. If realized, it
should be held dear, for without it we suffer unhappiness that drags down us
and everything we touch. God being love, grace, and just does not automatically
produce happiness with inner peace that counters destructiveness. We must trust
in Him as love, grace, and just – as did Job and others told of in God’s Word,
plus seeing it in Christians we know personally, or having experienced such trusting
godliness in our own life; godliness with contentment being great gain.
(1Tim.6:6)
Gratitude is easy when “all circumstances”
are happening as pleases us, but depending on outward events is not the inner
state of gratitude that the Word living, Jesus, and written, the Bible, epitomizes.
Surely it is obvious that life is best lived
with godly gratitude!
EBB4
PS. I am fortunate in
being blessed in dating, marriage, and memory of fellowship with dear Ann, she
consistently content in God until her last rasping breath.
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