In the book “The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom, as she and her sister enter their sleeping quarters of a Nazi Concentration Camp during World War II, they recall 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” Then Corrie and her sister start thanking God in their horrible circumstances, even for the fleas in the beds.
It made me wonder how I would react in such a place? How do I react when my current circumstances are different than how I desire?
Matt had a difficulty at work that kept arising, one we were ready for it to end. At one point I asked him if he wanted to pray about it, and remembered this story about Corrie Ten Boom. So we thanked God for all the good things surrounding this difficult situation. We praised God by remembering that He is with us and taking care of us – and it was incredible to realize how many things there were to thank Him for.
God cares about the beauty of my soul. When external things are taken away, or when I’m pushed into undesirable circumstances, could my reactions reveal beauty, goodness, and truth? I need to keep my heart with God this year – what will He teach me next?
Come Holy Spirit, make my heart beautiful. Father, help me keep my gaze on you, so that if all external beauty seems stripped away, what is left in my heart magnifies you, and your beauty and love. May I give thanks in all circumstances – for I do not understand your ways, and I can trust that you are an artist and can create beauty in all things, even my heart. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
My Heart, My Home 