This last Sunday’s message on the importance of prayer was timely and well received, at least by me. As Pastor Dave pointed out, it is far too easy to be caught up in the things of this world while ignoring the elements that will last for eternity. One of the downsides to this way of thinking is that it can make a person cynical or jaded. It is oftentimes easier to focus on the negative, than to do the hard work of looking for the good.
Along with prayer, and plenty of it, a lifestyle of thankfulness will help keep our focus and perspective in line. The Bible tells us to “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2, ESV).” Again, in 1 Thessalonians the Bible says “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (5:16-18, ESV).”
Now before you stop reading and say ‘I don’t need another warm-fuzzy pep talk about being thankful’- neither do I! I much prefer to take my lumps and move on; usually grumbling as I go. Now let’s read the second half of verse eighteen again; “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” So I take from this that God wants me (us) to be thankful in all circumstances. Not happy, but thankful. This is where the hard work starts and the pep-talks end, because we must choose to be thankful even in our unhappiness.
As we approach Thanksgiving and the rest of the holidays, let’s commit to being thankful people, even when it takes work and we don’t want to, “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
graceindallas 