Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].--1 Thessalonians 5:18, AMPC

The LORD showed me a few years ago--probably to help me get out of self-pity and into much more thankfulness--that millions (billions?) of people in the world would switch places with me--and YOU!--in a heartbeat! 

We are blessed! What does that mean, exactly? It means the LORD God of Heaven and earth shows us love; favor; goodwill; kindness; mercy; grace! It means His Plans for us are good, and only good (Genesis 1; Jeremiah 29:11; John 10:10; Ephesians 2:10 and 3:20, and more)! 

When we are blessed, that means we have so much to be thankful for!

Just a few minutes ago, I was primping, in expectation of my husband coming home for lunch. At 57, my skin is not as smooth as it used to be, and with acne challenges, it has never been as smooth as most girls' was. That used to cause me emotional pain, even as an adult.

However, the LORD is so good! He continually reminds me that, while He made our bodies--and I'm thankful that I have a very healthy, strong, straight, and flexible body (which comes from His Word; from eating very healthily, and from regular exercise, and does not just happen!), which many other women have complimented and said they wished their bodies were like mine--all flesh is as grass, and the spirits inside of us (our hearts, in which He abides as Savior and LORD) are eternal. 

Hallelujah!

Yes, we will get new, glorified bodies when King Jesus the Christ returns to earth, but our spirits and souls (mind, will, emotions) are where we really live! 

So here's my point: As the enemy was trying to torment me about my less-than-perfect skin, the Holy Spirit inside reminded me that many, many women would love to have my skin, and my nails, teeth, eyes, hair, body, etc.! 

There is always so much to be thankful for, and millions--billions, probably!--of people in the earth would trade places with you in a moment! This includes people with a lot more money than you, because the true enjoyment of wealth (which includes much more than money!) is a gift from God. 

There are many billionaires who are miserable, and many rich people now born again who say that money made them comfortable, but could never make them happy!

We write daily (or almost daily) in our thanksgiving journals. If you'll do this often, and just write all you can think of to be thankful for, you'll be amazed at how blessed you are--and will realize afresh that millions would rather be you! 

One of the secrets of true happiness is being thankful! (Ask me how I know!)

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!--I Chronicles 16:34, AMPC

Through books, courses, presentations, service, prayer, worship, and more, Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. Her series for girls, P.O.W.E.R. GIRL ADVENTURES, is now out (books I-V), along with LEGACY; YOUR HOLY HEALTH: VISIONS OF THE KING, and more. See the "River Rain Creative" YT channel.