1 Thessalonians 5:18
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Discerning God’s will can be challenging sometimes, but the verse before us makes it easy to say, “Give thanks.” The writer doesn’t mean for us to shout “hooray” for every bad thing that befalls you and me. No, herein lies a more profound command. We are asked to offer up a genuinely grateful heart on a regular basis despite circumstances.
Many times, the level of our gratitude connects directly to our feelings, but we can circumvent those emotions by intentionally making two simple choices. The first is to discipline yourself to rise each morning with a preset mentality of receiving the day as a gift. The second requires a deliberate redirection of 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. It is easy to focus on the negative. The reality is that God has been overwhelmingly good to each of us.
I encourage you to look around, take stock of what you have, and be thankful to Him. Start with simple things like a colorful sunrise and then advance to the irreplaceable—people, moments, and things that fill your life. For me, the peace of Jesus, my wife and family, and the church community of God’s people top that list. What is it for you?
Gratitude is an easily shared attitude that has a marked influence on those around us. I can’t think of a better way to fulfill God’s will this Thanksgiving holiday than by serving up a generous helping of praise and thanksgiving.
Awaiting His Return,
– Pastor Jack
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