I must say that I’ve been through many seasons in my life. I’m truly happy to say that things are really good right now. Of course, my kids have me running a mile a minute. And I don’t get to spend as much time with my husband as I’d like. But life is good. I began wondering how this time in my life could possibly help someone else. I didn’t want to write about how things are so great for me. Cause let’s be honest, we’re happy to hear about the good others are experiencing, but after awhile it starts sounding more like bragging. So when things are good there are a few things to remember.
And God (being the awesome Lord that he is) gently tapped me on the shoulder with these reminders. If you’ve joined any type of bible study at some point, they’ve touched on how we are to response when facing a storm. But what about when things are good? God always wants us to glorify Him, and it should be especially easy to do when things are going good, right? But I realized, for myself, that it’s also a time when it’s easy to forget to show thankfulness.
Share your blessings– We should freely give our money, love, and time to help/bless others. All our material things, along with our time are only ours temporally. God has entrusted us with them. So let’s make sure we’re using them wisely. For, the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it 1 Corinthians 10:26
Give God the glory– When others see our situation and comment on how lucky we are, let’s clarify it. Luck has nothing to do with it, you’re blessed. Let them know (to some degree) what you’ve been through before this time of blessings. Help them to understand how God has spoken/worked in your life? And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him Colossians 3:17
Be in the moment– Life is full of battles and challenges, and there’s no way around them. So when God has answered a prayer, or given us a victory we need to recognize it. If you’re like me, you love to set goals and then chase after them. But the moment I achieve one I’m already setting the next. Let’s take a moment to live in the moment. If we don’t we’ll find ourselves running on empty, and our victories won’t seem as sweet. For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope Jeremiah 29:11
Meditate and reflect– When we’re in a stormy period of our life it can be hard to imagine a time of peace. So when we find ourselves there let’s take a look back. Seeing how God has gotten us throw our trails can not only teach us a lot about ourselves, but also about our God. Let our time of peace and prosperity also be an opportunity to learn from past experiences. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations Psalm 100:5
I love how God speaks to me at night. He probably knows that it’s the only moment I have to myself. Late at night I just lay in bed spending time in my head thinking over the days events, and planning for tomorrow. But last night God interrupted my normal routine with this message; and oh I’m glad he did. I pray that whatever season you find yourself in that you would hold tight to God’s promise. Because we should not be happy because life is good, but because our God great.
Dear God, I pray that we don’t forget you when we’re in a time of peace. Let us have a heart filled with thanksgiving. May we be moved to go into the world with the light of your Holy Spirit as a display of your goodness. And Lord for those facing trials, God I ask that you help them not to lose hope. Lord may they know the peace that awaits them if they continue to trust in you. -Amen