1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Hands down, one of the most impactful books I’ve ever read was “Choosing Gratitude” by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. It’s chock-full of captivating real-life stories, biblical references, and tips to change your mindset. Here’s one excerpt that ties in to our verse of the day:
“Matthew Henry, the eighteenth-century Puritan preacher whose Bible commentary remains among the most popular of all time, was once accosted by robbers while living in London. Perhaps you’ve experienced this yourself- whether by having your car broken into or coming home to discover that your house had been burglarized. It’s among the most unsettling things that can happen to a person. I’m sure it was, as well, for a quiet, thoughtful man of letters like Matthew Henry.
And yet, upon further reflection (as he wrote in his diary), he couldn’t help but find something to be thankful for as a result of his misfortune:
‘Let me be thankful, first, because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my purse, they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.’
What a perspective! As someone has said, ‘If you can’t be thankful for what you receive, be thankful for what you escape.’ It is simply true that the person who has chosen to make gratitude his or her mindset and lifestyle can view anything-anything!-through the eyes of thankfulness. The whole world looks different when we do.”
Questions for Reflection from “Choosing Gratitude”:
- Do we only give glory to God for the part of our life that’s going the way we want?
- Or do we worship Him, trust Him, and give Him thanks, just because He is God-regardless of the dark, painful, incomprehensible places we encounter in our journey?
- Who deserves (or needs) a word of thanks from you? Who in your life could use a bit of encouragement today?
Prayer:
Dear God,
Please make gratitude our default setting. Let contentment surround us. When struggles weigh us down, help us to see the good. Thank you for the immeasurable ways you bless us every day! Amen.
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