Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
In All Circumstances
The exhibition Eating Bitterness was an exhibition that last year traveled to a number of Canadian cities. It focused on the history of Canada’s Chinese community. The title, Eating Bitterness, refers to a Chinese proverb on how the endurance of hardship can bring great strength. Many Chinese Canadians had to endure bitter circumstances posed by racial discrimination and public policy that denied them many civil liberties and equal rights. The exhibition highlighted the resilience of Chinese Canadian individuals and communities under difficult circumstances.
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Have you noticed that some people just ooze positivity. It’s like they see all of life through rose coloured glasses. The French call it “Vie en Rose”- literally “Life in Pink.” They seem to live in a state of blissful contentment. Christians are called to be realistic about the state of the world. We understand that sin had caused things to be far from the way God created things. Life can be difficult, and some people have suffered greatly. But at the same time, we don’t allow the reality of life to get us down. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This all sounds a bit “vie-en-rose-ish,” doesn’t it? The reality is that no matter what we see happening around us, Jesus is in control. So, we don’t dismiss the reality of difficult circumstances, we rise above them by rejoicing in the goodness of God, praying consistently to get His take on things, and in all circumstances, yes ALL, giving thanks to our Creator, for His presence and His innumerable gifts.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley