Practice Thankfulness

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Collossians 3:15

Gratitude and thankfulness is much needed in this world. Too many people are ready to complain and gripe about everything in their life. They do not stop to appreciate the help of others and the goodness of God that comes to each of us every day.

I have cultivated a habit of thanking people. Much of that stems from years of help from nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers who have ministered to me in one way or another. When you are in a hospital and feel completely helpless, totally dependent upon others to aid you in the most basic functions of life, you learn to practice gratitude and thankfulness.

No matter who you are or what you are going through you can always find something to be thankful for if you try. Even better, make a habit of praying for those who help you in a variety of ways. From the nice waitress at the restaurant, to the person loading your groceries, to the mailman dropping off your mail, pray for them and be thankful. 

Often we get so caught up in the negative things in this world that we fail to stop and count our blessings. Our perspective changes when we can see beyond our troubles to a good God who blesses us daily. He gives us family, friends, clothing, food and shelter and too many blessings to list.

In America we have the best Holiday in the world. Thanksgiving involves no gifts, no endless shopping, is not buried in commercialism, and is not tied to secularism. Thanksgiving has an object, God. Its sole purpose is to thank God for all His blessings. From the first Pilgrims grateful to be alive and in a New World to practice their faith, to President Lincoln who officially set aside one day each year to thank Almighty God for the blessings bestowed upon us, Thanksgiving is unique among our Holidays.

Before the turkey dinner, and before the parade and football games start, take a few moments to add up your blessings. Then stop and thank the Lord who has given them all to you.

Prayer: Dear Lord, each day brings a fresh batch of blessings, help us not only to count them, but to let them add up to a grateful heart of praise and thanksgiving to You. Amen.

Get Understanding And Wisdom From The Lord

“I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path” Psalm 119:104

    I was not long out of high school when it dawned on me just how ignorant and dumb I was. Then I read about Solomon in the Bible asking the Lord for wisdom, and I asked for wisdom as well. While I am no Solomon, I would like to think I am not as dumb as that young man was years ago, yet I was already wise in one way–I knew to ask the Lord for help back then.

    Many people in this world have knowledge, but very few have any real understanding or wisdom. And my experience has been that the higher the IQ, too often the less common sense is found. You cannot give anyone common sense, you cannot drill it into their head. Only God gives wisdom and understanding.

    You could set wisdom in a golden bowl in front of them and it would still elude them. Common sense, understanding, and wisdom are gifts from God, and can be found even with the most feeble minded of people. Yet it is rarely found among those considered wise by the world’s standards.

    I have said all of that to point you to this–you are going to need wisdom from God to survive and thrive with sickness, disease, disability, and the common everyday difficulties and afflictions we all will face in life.

    The only way to find meaning and purpose in your troubles is through God. The Lord can bring healing and restoration within us that is beyond the knowledge and scope of medicine or science. He can give you peace and joy and purpose despite your terrible problems and difficulties.

    Look up and ask God. Ask Him for wisdom and understanding, call upon Him for the gift of common sense and wisdom to see you through the dangerous road ahead. And then have faith that with all of His wisdom to aid you that nothing, not illness and disease or any problem and difficulty can take your hope, joy, or purpose away from you.

    Prayer: Dear Lord, we know we are foolish and in need of wisdom, please give us guidance and understanding to live the life You have given to us. Amen.