More families than I can count are entering the holiday season inside of circumstances that are very difficult. Being thankful and joyful are the last things on their minds, and many don't even want to face the holidays because it's just too hard.
Our family has had an unprecedented year of grief. We've lost a "daughter" (best friend of our daughter's), another family friend (another of our daughter's best friend's dad), and our last parent/grandparent (Rick's mom), and the just this week, a very dear family friend.
Along with the grief, a close aunt has had a massive stroke, and recently, another has fallen and broken her hip.
Seems everywhere we look people are hurting.
Inside of difficult circumstances, it's hard to see what we deem as good because all we see is what we deem as bad. It's the natural human response to hardships. We give ourselves permission to determine what is good and what is bad. But with God, all things work together for our good and His glory.
All things. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
The ugly is the scene in Indiana where a 28 year old, pregnant pastor's wife is brutally raped and murdered while her 18 month old is upstairs asleep in his bed.
The ugly is the mass murders of innocent people in Paris, Mali, and worldwide by the evil black hearts of radical Islamic terrorists.
How do we give thanks and rejoice in the face of horrific times in the world and in our own personal worlds of heartache?
In a much used passage to encourage and challenge believers, Paul, who has endured more hardships than many of us will ever experience, shares the sacred ingredient of living a joy-full life.
I call it IN-Joy.
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (I Thessalonians 5: 16-18 NIV, emphasis mine)
We are not asked to give thanks for all circumstances, just to give thanks in all circumstances. The suffering is a result of sin in a fallen world. Since we live in a fallen world, to experience true joy and peace in Christ Jesus, we must give thanks in all things.
So as you move into the holiday season, prepare Him room to bring you the true joy of the season by being grateful in all that comes your way. A grateful heart is the sacred key to IN-joying life on earth!
My Pleasure,
Melanie
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