I was a stay at home mom with one child in school and a newborn when my husband lost his job. While I tried to remain faithful in the belief that God would see us through this season, I can’t say that I was exactly praising Him. No, I had a pretty good idea of how the situation should play out, but unfortunately, that idea didn’t actually happen. Thank goodness! That “better” company that had interviewed him, but ended up not hiring him, declared bankruptcy just a few months later – after he had started the ideal job that had seemed so “second choice” at the time.

“It was a God thing!” I hear this phrase often after a prayer is answered with the answer the one praying desired or when details work out for a happy ending of a scary situation. But what about those times when we don’t get what we want or our happy ending seems elusive? Aren’t those still “God things”? Isn’t He still in control and acting behind the scenes to accomplish His will? “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9)

While praising God in the good times is often a natural response, praising Him in the bad is just as appropriate. He hasn’t forgotten us – He just has a better plan in mind!

Finally, being a blessing means seeking peace, actually pursuing it. (v. 11) When you eagerly seek to forgive, you are pursuing oneness. God’s purpose in our conflicts is to test our faith, to produce endurance, to refine us, and to bring glory to Himself.
Will you accept His hope? Will you? He's offering it. It's for you. Will you approach these conflicts as an opportunity to strengthen yourself and to glorify God? Will you "turn away from evil and do good?" (v. 11)

Pray:

Adoration: God is holy, mighty, gracious, and merciful. Spend time declaring your love for Him and expressing your thoughts of praise and worship.

Confession: Ask God to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.

Thanksgiving: Express your thankfulness to God for the blessings He has given you. When we consider that we deserve punishment because of our sinfulness, and instead God gives to us His love and mercy, our only response should be one of thankfulness.

Supplication: Petition God to help you be a faithful steward of your time, talents, possessions, and relationships. Offer prayers concerning your activities for this day and any special concerns you have. Intercede for your local, state, and national governments. Pray for spiritual revival in the nation and offer prayers regarding any current events and concerns.