Giving Thanks in All Circumstances

November 17, 2024

planksgiving devotional #3: giving thanks in all circumstances

In May, I was diagnosed with severe iron deficiency anemia. I was so very sick and it impacted every area of my life. I couldn’t care for my family, teach class, or participate in much of my life at all. I needed infusions and surgery to course correct. It’s been several months now and I’m getting better, but the healing is maddeningly slow. There are glimpses of restoration, but I’m not there yet. However, in the midst of the valley where I’ve found myself, I look back at the road I’ve traveled so far and see cause for much thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving comes both on the mountaintops and in the darkest valleys. It may be shouts on the mountaintops and desperate whispers in the valley, but the command for thanksgiving is the same. We give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, because no matter our circumstance, His love for us endures forever.

Where do you find yourself today, friend? Are you shouting from the mountaintop? Have you given thanks to God for what He has done? Give thanks today for the blessings surrounding you and give credit to the Lord. Doing so gives a powerful witness to those around you and gives glory to the Lord as is due to Him.

If this finds you in the shadows of a valley, know that you are not alone there. I’m there too. It’s easy to feel isolated in those hard places, but light pushes back the darkness, and praise is our weapon in the shadows. So begin with a whisper and let that build as you lean into His great love for you. It is as real in the valley as it is on the mountaintop. He will sustain and strengthen you as you move through it. He will not leave you there. He’s making a way out for you and for me.

In the everlasting comfort of His love, we find our peace; we find our strength; we find our reason for thanks. Praise be to God! His love endures forever.

by Tracie Durham, N. Little Rock, Arkansas
Body & Soul® Spiritual Impact Team