I once read a story about a man who repeatedly asked God to reveal Himself in a real way. The man's first request was for God to speak to him. God responded by having a meadowlark sing and then by sending a loud roll of thunder. When the man did not realize that the singing and the thunder were actually God's voice, he decided to ask God to make Himself visible. God's response to this request was a brightly shining star which the man ignored. Finally, this man cried out in great despair for God to just touch him...which He did through a delicate brush of a butterfly against the man's shoulder.

The defeated man brushed off the butterfly and hopelessly walked away because he had not HEARD from God, SEEN God, or FELT God. The moral of this sad story is to never miss out on a blessing because it is not packaged in the way we determine that it should be packaged. It is so important for us to realize that God may be sending signs of His love in ways that we often overlook or take for granted.

Today's scripture is a reflection of the prayer that we should have for our lives. We should always be cognizant of God's many blessings that surround us EVEN in our bad times. By doing so, our RESPONSE in these situations would be to search for something in the situation that is worthy of praise.

My challenge to you this morning is to avoid succumbing to the temptation of asking yourself the following question in times of turmoil: "And what do I have to be grateful for in THIS situation?" Rather, try to focus on what Apostle Paul's intent was in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 in advising us to "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Apostle Paul is not telling us to be thankful for EVERYTHING that happens to us. Instead, he is suggesting that we find something in the situation that is worthy of God's praise AND encouraging us to keep our eyes and ears open for God's voice and His gentle touch in our distress.  

Dear Lord, I am so grateful for Your strength, mercy, and loving kindness that carries me through difficult times. Help me to always give You thanks in ALL situations...and to know that that You are my ever present Friend, my Refuge and Strength.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.