No Hard Feelings

“…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
(I Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)

What would it take for you to have a great day, every day?

In 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul gives us the key, giving thanks. This is not only something God desires for you to do. Giving thanks is something God enables you to do. 

God never commands you to do something without giving you the power to do it. 

What happens when you don’t feel grateful? Nowhere in Scripture is a command to “feel” thankful. Feelings can be affected by the weather, the stock market, or how much sleep you got last night. Giving thanks has nothing to do with feelings. You can be thankful even if you don’t feel thankful. You are not commanded to “feel grateful”, you are commanded by God to “give thanks.” Giving thanks is an action you can take no matter what you are feeling. 

What happens to you is not nearly as important as how you perceive what happens to you. Why not have a perspective check today and see things differently? 

• Instead of complaining about your job, you can thank God for your employment. 
• Instead of feeling frustrated by never-ending housework, you can thank God for a place to live.
• Instead of feeling overwhelmed by raising children, start considering them blessings to cherish instead of burdens to manage. 

Remember, God’s will for you is always what is best for you. And an attitude of gratitude will change your life. It will shield, keep and protect you from cynicism and discontentment. 

Gratitude draws you closer to God and draws God closer to you.  

You can begin this first day of Advent–celebrating Jesus’ arrival and awaiting His return–by thanking God for the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life. Enter this Christmas season not with a hope of receiving–but with a heart that desires to give thanks to God. As you do, you’ll find each day a blessed day full of salvation and peace. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of Your friendship. Thank You for saving me, and rescuing me. I thank You for the gift of a new season, remembering the gift of Jesus’ arrival and the hope He brings into a world that desperately needs it. Lord, let this Advent season be one of giving–me giving thanks to You in all circumstances. I believe You’ll release joy and peace into my life as I choose gratitude. And I thank You for it, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.