“Always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ” (Ephesians 5:20-21).
Always giving thanks. In good times, yes, this is easy. But giving thanks at all times, even those you consider bad? Who is at work in you? Is not the Lord the One who will bring all things together for good according to His purpose? Yes! Learn to give thanks in all situations knowing that the Lord is at work in you, doing that which is according to His will and good pleasure.
Lord, teach me to relax. In the fear of You, which is the beginning of wisdom, yes, but not timid or afraid. Lead me in the direction You know I need to go and help me move in that direction. Guide me, O Lord, in order that I would not walk in the ways of the world, but in the way of Christ my Savior. Help me to more clearly understand what this means. Then, help me to do what You tell me to do.
Lord Jesus, You have told us to go into the world and where we are received, stay. You have said that where we are rejected, we are to move on. Guide me Lord in the way You would have me go so that I might now and always be led by You. Let me not look to myself or others, but always to You so that I may be guided by You alone. Help me to help others to do what You know we need to do. Amen.
