A friend shared a quote with me, saying I could probably write about it. Challenge accepted. 🙂
Let’s break down the quote to better reflect on it and see how we can apply its truths in our lives.
Giving thanks warms the soul…
When we live from a place of giving thanks and gratitude, it does warm our soul, doesn’t it? It helps to keep in mind that everything we have and are is a gift from God, who is worthy of our thanks and gratitude continually.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
What a short but powerful Scripture! Isn’t it easy to rejoice, pray, and be thankful when things are going good but a challenge when we suffer and endure trials? When Paul wrote this letter to the Thessalonian church, they were facing great persecution and internal disputes having many reasons not to be joyful. Paul reminds them, along with us, that no matter our circumstances, we need to rejoice and be thankful because we know joy comes from our dependence on God.
What can we give thanks for to warm our soul?
*Waking up to a new day.
*Trials that bring us closer to Jesus in His suffering for our salvation.
*Being able to worship without fear of persecution.
Photo courtesy of Kim Singdahlsen under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)
and reminds us that life is an extraordinary privilege…
Every day is an extraordinary privilege. This life we have been given allows us to be Christ-bearers as we share His love, presence, and compassion with others. When we rise each day, we are filled with hope for what the Lord has in store for the day. His mercies are new every morning.
For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. –Philippians 1:29 (NLT)
Isn’t it a great privilege to live day by day knowing we can trust Christ? Have you considered that it is also a privilege to suffer too? Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection three days later was intense suffering that He endured so we can have eternal life! Jesus willingly endured that for our sake. How much more should we count it a privilege to know the crosses we bear help us enter into oneness with Christ? We have assurance that Christ is with us in our suffering.
What are examples of life’s extraordinary privileges?
*Loving others with God’s great agape love.
*Praying with someone in need.
*Enduring hardship to enter into Jesus’ suffering.
Photo courtesy of Rody09 under Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Joy comes from appreciating what we have rather than having…
Our material possessions might bring us happiness, but they do not bring us joy. It is about appreciating what we have in the Spirit rather than having the temporary things of this world like a mansion or an expensive car.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. –Romans 14:17-18 (ESV)
The kingdom of God is not about the things of this world or any of its physical materials. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit that we receive from knowing God, abiding with Christ, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit’s gifts of love, peace, goodness, and righteous are what bring us joy. Joy is an attitude requiring an action, not an emotion.
What things do we have that we can appreciate to fill us with joy?
*Spiritual friendships.
*The God moments we experience.
*The ability to worship and commune with God daily.
Be encouraged this week to…
…rejoice even in the difficult circumstances.
…have an attitude of prayer continually.
…practice giving thanks in all circumstances.
…reflect on the extraordinary privilege of trusting Christ.
…know even our suffering is a privilege because we join in Christ’s suffering.
…be filled with joy that is the fruit of appreciation.
While penning these thoughts, in true God-like fashion, I ran across this quote…
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. –Psalm 16:11 (NIV)
