1 Thessalonians 5:18
Discerning God’s will can sometimes be challenging, but the verse before us makes it easy – give thanks. That doesn’t mean we should shout “hooray” for every bad thing that befalls you and me. No, herein lies a deeper command. We are asked to offer up a truly grateful heart on a regular basis, in spite of any situation. Many times, the level of our gratitude is connected to our feelings, but we can circumvent those emotions with the intentional choice, “I will be thankful.”
Discipline yourself to rise each morning with a preset mentality of receiving the day as a gift. This deliberate act will move your thoughts from what isn’t to what is, right here and right now. It’s easy to focus on things we wish were different, easy to focus on the negative, but in reality, God has been overwhelmingly good to each of us. I encourage you to look around, take stock of what you do have, and be thankful to Him for those things. Start with simple things like a good cup of coffee or a laugh between friends and then advance to the irreplaceable people, things, and moments that fill your day. For me, the peace of Jesus, my wife, and the church community of God’s people top that list. What is it for you?
Gratitude is an attitude easily shared – one that has a marked influence on those around us. I can’t think of a better way of fulfilling God’s will this holiday than by serving up a generous helping of praise and thanksgiving.
“Amen!
Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might,
be to our God forever and ever.
Amen.”
Revelation 7:12
– Pastor Jack
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