Nov 17, 2009

This Day, I Will Be Thankful

This morning, I often found myself tempted to complain about little things that didn't go my way, about the pile of work I have in front of me, about the cold air and the cloudy skies. Caroline showed me the art at the bottom of this post last night, and it kept coming to mind when I felt the desire to complain. At lunch time today, I closed my door, sat on the floor with a mug of pomegranate tea, some cheese, crackers and hummus, and the book of 1 Peter. It reminded me of the graciousness and mercy of God, and refreshed my heart.

I have so many reasons to be thankful for this day:
.."According to his great mercy," God has chosen to save me, and "has caused [me] to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Christ from the dead." (1:3)

..Because of Christ, I have assurance of His faithfulness and provision for every minute of my day, and I may "set [my] hope fully on the grace that will be brought to [me] at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1:13)

..I may come to God in prayer with my burdens and cares because "Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God." (3:18)

..I am promised God's mighty sustaining grace in time of need. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (5:6)

..And, finally, because of Christ's death, I am certain that God will provide for my every need in this life, and in the end I will be glorified to eternal life with Christ my Savior. "And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you." (5:10)

To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (5:11)

8 comments:

The Odell Family said...

God spoke right to me through this post this morning, Shannon. Dad's out of town, so my troubles start: the car is dead, the phone isn't working properly, and I spent an hour with Margaret on a math problem. She finally got it, no thanks to me. But I need to be grateful. You can pray for me.

Andrew Odell said...

Very nice post. :) I love 1 Peter.

Teresa baker said...

Very nice, Shannon. You seem to be in a very good place - the arms of a loving God who has gifted you with a wonderful family and friends who point to to His truths. Thank you for sharing this wonderful reminder.
~Mrs. Baker

Vanessa said...

1 Peter is so good! Thank you for the sweet encouragement! God has been showing me the same thing! I so often choose to complain when things don't go my way! So good to see that we have all we need in Christ and that whatever he wills is good! It's so good we don't always get our way! But the way of the Lord always prevails-and it's always for our good!

Anonymous said...

Shan, Nice post as Andrew says. The Odell's are followers as you can see. Thanks for reminding us to be thankful. Love you, Dad

Anonymous said...

Sorry Mon's car died but it gave me a chance to drive her to the gym and M. and CEO to tennis. Now she has my car all day tomorrow and I hope she doesn't decide to drive to Michigan. The count down is on here. Everyday Cameron reminds me how many more days until you are all home. Love, Grammy

Lisa said...

Thanks for this post Shannon. Just last night at care group I was sharing how thankful I am for my job and today......it's driving me CRAZY!!!! Excellent reminder for me.

Anonymous said...

Yes, that is the way to preach to your soul. Truth is always redeeming. Way to go, girl!!! ~Beejee