Show notes
In the late 1800’s George Mueller operated an orphanage that at one time had 1,000 orphans. One morning there was no food to eat, but he called all the children and staff together and prayed thanking God for the provision of food, even though no food was on the table. A few moments later a baker knocked on the door. He told Mr. Muller that God had led him to bake bread the night before and give it to the orphanage. Before the bread was given to the children, a milkman knocked on the door. He said that his milk truck had broken down and he wanted to give the milk to the orphanage. Regardless of his circumstances, Mueller had decided to be thankful.
Colossians 3:15-16 - “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
The Apostle Paul is reminding us there is a connection between being thankful and having peace in our hearts and in our relationship.
Gratitude gives us perspective. It reminds of us truths that we have forgotten. It causes us to recognize how blessed we are, instead of focusing on what we don’t have, or wished we had. A thankful heart helps us remember God’s goodness and faithfulness.
When I was a child we used to sing an old hymn in church. It was called, “Count your blessings.” The first verse went like this:
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
The hymn writer was correct. Discouragement causes us to look inward, but gratitude enables us to look outward. And, sometimes upon reflection, we are surprised to see all that God has done.
This year we have faced challenges unforeseen. No one could have predicted on December 31st, 2019, as we celebrated the coming new year, that we would face all we have. The coronavirus has brought sickness to many, here in America 260,000 people have lost their lives to the virus. Imagine the thousands of families with an empty chair at the table this Thanksgiving. The shutdowns and restrictions have impacted us all. Financially many are hurting. Our lives have been disrupted by the inability to go to church, school, the gym, and pretty much anywhere.
It would be easy for us this season to be discouraged, angry, and in despair, but let’s take a minute to count our blessings.
You and I have so many reasons to be thankful, and I encourage you to make your own list. For me,
At the top of my list, I’m grateful for Jesus, who is my savior and my Lord. His presence and power in my life.
Wife and three daughters
Parents and siblings
Friends who mean the world to me
Physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health
Needs are met: food, clothing, shelter, transportation
God’s call on my life for ministry
Pacific Christian Center, here in Santa Maria, CA.
The promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
No matter what you are going through, make time today to give thanks to God. In fact, it’s God’s will that we do so. 1 Thessalonians 5:13 says, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Today’s Challenge: It’s quite simple, grab a sheet of paper and pen and make a gratitude list. If you have family with you, get everyone involved and see how many blessings you can count.
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