In our recent Gathering, the Holy Spirit reminded us once more of the importance of staying thankful to Him in all situations. As we trust Him with our lives, we learn to stay humble and yielded to His working all things for our good, (Romans 8:28). 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” God’s word here instructs us to give thanks IN all things, not FOR all things. There is a big difference in the two and a revelation in keeping a right heart attitude to the Lord, Who is ultimately in control of our lives.

Holding out for my will, controlling my own life, standing up for my rights are all evidence of my pride, and God resists the proud, (1 Peter 5:5). So how do I stay humble then? Stay thankful to the Lord in all matters. “IN everything give thanks.” I can honour God in negative circumstances by thanking Him that He is in control. I can trust Him to work things out, supply His grace and peace to me amid the turmoil. God delivers me IN the circumstances and not FROM them as He brings me through, and eventually, out. Deliverance IN, brings greater glory to God than FROM. The character of the Son of God comes forth in a yielded life as one “enters in” to the finished work of Calvary. As I learn to trust God more, I find the consequences are the benefits of His peace and rest in surrender.

Surrender is only considered undesirable to a hard heart resisting God!

Giving thanks to the Lord causes us to triumph in Christ and others will observe the fragrance of His presence in our lives. 2 Corinthians 2:14 “Thanks be to God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ and makes manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish.”

The attitude of my heart defines where I am in God. The testing comes at my lowest moment in what I deem negative circumstances. My attitude reveals where I am in God. Attitude determines altitude. It is the loving kindness of God that He reveals to me where my heart is divided, unruly. He wants His best for me, to teach me a better way, His way. He ever beckons in the words of The Song of Solomon 2:10 “My beloved spoke and said unto me, “Rise up, my love, my fair one and come away.”

Hosea 1:14-15 “…I will allure her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably to her……and she shall sing there…..” Have I learnt to sing in my wilderness? Only a thankful, surrendered heart will learn this lesson and reap the great benefits of His presence: His grace, strength, peace and joy for life’s journey. Only there do I find His presence is heaven to me.

Is my heart right with God? Revelation 22:14 “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates of the city.”