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Living Free - January 18, 2017

Today's Scripture

"Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 CEV

Thoughts for Today

We all experience various kinds of loss through our lives. This week we have specifically addressed job and financial loss because so many people are currently dealing with these situations. A natural result of financial setbacks is often loss of home or other tangible things. Literally thousands have faced foreclosure in recent times.

The loss of a home can cause severe emotional trauma and demands many decisions. Where will we live? How can we tell our children they have to change schools ... and move away from their friends? Will we ever be able to own a home again? What are we going to do?

Consider this … 

During extremely difficult times like these, it is so much easier to focus on what we have lost, what we don't have, than to consider our blessings. Today's scripture reminds us that no matter what is happening, we do have much to be thankful for— and that is exactly what God wants us to do ... thank him for our blessings, starting with Jesus and all he has done for us.

If you are in the middle of trying times, take time right now to write a list of your blessings. Your list might include family and loved ones, friends, health, freedom ... and must include Jesus' love and forgiveness. As you begin to name a few blessings, you will no doubt find that the list continues to grow. And as you realize how much you have to be thankful for, you will open your heart for Jesus to fill it with hope for the future.

Prayer

Father, as I begin to think about these things, I realize that even in the midst of this difficult time, I have so much to be thankful for. Thank you for Jesus. Thank you for forgiveness. Thank you for life. Thank you for each kindness others have shown me. Thank you for so much more ... And thank you that I can trust in you for today ... and tomorrow ... and the future. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from …Handling Loss and Grief: How to Face Losses in Life and Grieve Christianly by Raymond T. Brock, Ed.D. This study teaches participants what the Bible has to say about handling the losses of life. It offers biblical coping methods for facing loss.  

 

 

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