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When you hear the phrase "thank you" what comes to mind? You probably think of this phrase in regards to someone doing something for you or maybe giving something to you, right? Or perhaps you think of the word "thankful" during the season of Thanksgiving. But I have learned that the word "thanks" has meaning way beyond one day or one season.
I have had to learn that the hard way. My husband and I have been on a 5.5 year journey to become parents and being thankful in this season isn't typically what one would think would happen. Is it possible to be thankful in such a hard and long season? My answer? Absolutely! I want to encourage you that your thankfulness should never be dependent on what God does for you, because it should always be based on who he is.
God's desire for you to be thankful is all throughout scripture as is outlined in a few passages I chose here:
“Enter with the password: ‘Thank you!’ Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship him.” Psalm 100-4.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” Psalm 107:1.
“Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever.” Psalm 118:29.
I don't know what season you are in. Maybe like me you have faced trial after trial, including the loss of loved ones or maybe you have been in a long wait to see a promise fulfilled, like I have. Or maybe it is the opposite and you are feeling like this is a peaceful and fruitful season? Either way, when you reflect back over the months, how often have you taken time to give thanks to God? What would it look like if you took time to thank him for what he has done, what he is doing and yes, even thank him in advance for what you believe he is going to do?
I thought it would be powerful if I briefly shared why I am thankful for my 5.5 year infertility journey. I encourage you to do the same by using one of the Paper Sunday journals and writing down what you too are thankful for. Make it a daily habit. My list? I am thankful for the community God has surrounded me with who have prayed for me and believed with me. I am thankful for the blog, book and ministry that has been birthed during my wait. I am thankful for my husband who has showered me with unconditional love. I am thankful for all those I have connected with all over the world through social media. I am thankful for my 12 nieces + nephews.
Now it's your turn. What are you thankful for? Don't just give God praise on Thanksgiving. Thanking and praising God is not just for one day and it's not just for when you are in an easy season or for when life is going your way, but I can assure you that when you start to give thanks, even in the middle of a trial, things will start to shift, including your attitude. In addition, no longer will there be room to share words of negativity because you will be too busy operating in the realm the Father desires for you, which is always one of thanks.
Caroline Harries has a heart for those who are waiting on breakthrough from the Lord. Her unwavering faith is evident as she believes for her own miracle of children. She delights in encouraging women through her internationally followed blog and book, In Due Time, as well as her ministry to those desiring to become mothers, Moms in the Making. Caroline loves traveling the world with her huband and stays active by competing in triathlons. She holds a degree in finance and marketing from Baylor University in Texas, where she and her husband live.
