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Why do we have so much laundry? I’m so tired of always cooking. Why can’t I have what she has?

I am embarrassed to admit this was me. I was tired and irritable, and nothing made it better. My grumblings turned my attitude sour about everything.

Then I read Paul’s instructions to the Thessalonica church: “Always be joyful and never stop praying.” Paul was forced out of Thessalonica after leading many Jews to Christ. Now in Corinth, he had received word from Timothy that unbelieving Jews were persecuting the new converts. Yet the Thessalonians held firm in their faith.

Paul wrote two letters to the church to encourage them in their sufferings. Paul, a man who had faced many hardships in his lifetime, also told them to be joyful. He didn’t mean for them to be happy about their circumstances but joyful in them because of the Spirit’s power.

I wasn’t obeying Paul’s instructions or being joyful in my tasks. I began praying. My prayers weren’t fancy but heartfelt. I prayed for God to change my attitude, outlook, and heart. These prayers led me to the last part of Paul’s advice. I thanked God for everything.

I struggled when I first started thanking God for my circumstances. Why do I have so much laundry? became Thank You Lord for this laundry. I have a family, and we are blessed to have clean clothes. The dirty dishes? I thanked God we had food and that I could love my family by providing a healthy meal.

The more I did it, the easier thanking became. When hard days come and my attitude starts to sour, I remind myself to be joyful . . . no matter what.

What steps can you take to thank God for everything and never stop praying? 

(photo courtesy of pixabay.com.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)