In All Life’s Circumstances By Cissie Graham Lynch

In All Life’s Circumstances By Cissie Graham Lynch As we come to the end of 2019, many of us are reflecting back on the last 12 months. For some, 2019 was wonderful. For others, it was a mediocre year—nothing grand, nothing terrible. Maybe for you, it was a year of pain and disappointment. No matter what our year looked like, as we enter this holiday season, may we remember to have a heart that sings praises to God. First Thessalonians 5:18 says, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Mary, the mother of Jesus, sets a perfect example of how to praise God in all circumstances. Have you ever thought of how Mary must have felt after the angel Gabriel appeared to her? She was a virgin and promised in marriage, but Gabriel told her she would become pregnant and give birth to God’s Son. We cannot imagine the fear that probably swept over her. But Mary, in her greatest moment of uncertainty, surrendered her heart to God. In Luke 1:38, she told the angel: “I am the Lord’s servant.” Oh, how I love that sense of contentment! My grandfather once said, “Nothing turns us into bitter, selfish, dissatisfied people more quickly than an ungrateful heart. And nothing will do more to restore contentment and the joy of our salvation than the true spirit of thankfulness.” As we close out this year, we hold on to God’s promises, and we anchor ourselves in the truth of His Word. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” If for some reason, you feel you have nothing to be thankful for, think again about the true meaning of Christmas, that God gave His one and only Son—for you. That will help you sing praises in your heart to God.