Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Thank You.
I cannot do anything else, think any other way, except to express my gratitude for the life I have lived from the time You knit me together until now, as I stand before a thousand separate paths as part of my journey. I may not know where I am going, but I know where I have been. And You have walked with me every step of the way.
I may not know why I am placed in the times or circumstances I am in, but I know that You reach beyond limit and light. That You have allowed me to be born as I am, with my eyes and nose and heart. You have placed me in a certain city, surrounded by certain people. And you have reached beyond the walls of my security and laid open the world at my hands, which reach to serve as You serve. You have given me a mind, body and spirit, unique as each sunrise and just as stunning. You have provided a roof over my head and a song in my soul, to last me on those cold, damp nights when both the wind and fear pound on my door.
I have plenty to eat, enough money to live on and purpose to get me through the nights I doubt. You have called to me, and I have answered. I have stepped out in faith to follow Your lead and You are faithful to provide for me in every way possible. You promise to stand beside me, to shelter me under Your restful wings, and to never leave or forsake me. You have sent Your Spirit to reside in me, to direct me as I move. I am rich in the things most of the wealthy scoff at, but You regard as regal.
You have taken me so far already. How can I not trust You will continue to climb this mountain with me? I wonder where I am going, what You are doing, all that is stirring beneath the surface. But for now, and for as long as You want me to learn, I am content to be content with You, and praise Your grace, Your love, Your confidence. Because if it weren’t for You and Your still, soothing voice, which called to me from before creation, I would not be kneeling before You, overcome by Your gifts, by the life You have called me to live. You look at me and see someone good. Someone with direction and potential, even when I cannot fathom all You are writing into my story. So I will wrap my heart around You and say, again and again, thank You for being You, for sticking with me longer than I deserve. For giving me the chance to feel You in my veins, and to call You Beloved.
Prayer:
Thank You! In this season of confusion, I need to step away from my questions and take the time to appreciate all You have done for me, all You are doing in me right now, and all You will continue to do. Thank You for calling me to Your side, and for walking with me as I try and follow the road You’ve laid out for me. Let me remember all Your goodness, and when my head clutters with confusion, let me clear it with Your love. Amen.
