Strong spirits: in everything?
Being thankful is a decision we make.
What are you most thankful for?
Some things are so obvious: family, friends, health, community, laughter, food, shelter. Then there are those things that can easily be forgotten, like all the unseen people that work to make our lives as good as they are, or all the people in our past that stepped up and helped us just when we needed them. That list, like the first, could go on and on.
But did you know that the apostle Paul says in at least two places that we also ought to be thankful in all circumstances and for everything? Really? Really!
"Always give thanks for everything to God the Father." (Ephesians 5:20)
"Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
And the apostle James joins in with this: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds..." (James 1:2)
Being thankful is a decision we make to trust God, to praise him, and to refuse to grumble or worry when things don't go as we wish. Try it! Offer God thanks for some disappointment or trial. There is real power and real joy in this. That trial may turn out to be what you're most thankful for.
Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.
