Challenge yourself – give thanks for small and great things; do it every day this week. As you do, God will reward you with the heartfelt, happy emotion of true thankfulness.
JONI: Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and I love to count my blessings! I’d better had love to count them, and you’d better, too. When you think of all that God has given us: friendships, health, food on the table, a roof over our heads, all the other benefits of this life. Not to mention an escape from hell and a home in heaven. The least we can do is to remember all these blessings and more.
Sometimes, though, with my disability and chronic pain, I can feel a little deflated. My focus can turn inward, I can easily forget the blessing of a husband who cares, the blessing of being able to sit up in a wheelchair and have a job to do, the blessings of friends, family. Suffering has a way of blinding me to those beautiful realities. And it’s why 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” I’m going to repeat that: the Holy Spirit is telling us – he’s giving us an imperative – give thanks in all circumstances. Not just the things you can handle or feel on top of; don’t give thanks only for the things for which you can easily give thanks; you know, those easy, breezy bright days when all looks wonderful on the horizon. No, rather, give thanks in all circumstances. And I would especially add tough circumstances.
Because that’s when your Christianity “means” something. That’s when your faith is forged in fire and made strong and durable. Giving thanks through tough circumstances shows God how highly you think of him; that you think he’s worth it; that knowing him is far superior to the struggles on earth. And here’s the thing. To give thanks is not the same as “feeling thankful.” No, to give thanks in the midst of pain and problems is to take a step of faith based on the command of 1 Thessalonians.
Now granted, it’s hard to do that [it’s supposed to be hard to do that]. But giving thanks in the middle of pain and problems is the best, it is the surest way to grow in Christ and to cultivate greater faith. Are you having problems thinking of things for which you can give thanks? Well, today how about starting with the Word of God; with the mercies of God that are new and fresh toward you every morning, and how about the hope of heaven and the encouragement your Christian friends give you. And give thanks for the health you do possess; despite any other medical challenges you might have. And how about your children or grandchildren? And there is always laughter, sunsets, music, backyard birds, flowers. I know I give thanks for the people who help me get in and out of bed every morning, get me dressed, brush my hair, brush my teeth, and more. What would I do without them? Even in the midst of pain and paralysis, these are the people for whom I can give thanks to God.
So do me a favor. Challenge yourself to give thanks for small and great things and do it every day. And as you do it, God will eventually reward you with the heartfelt, happy emotion of true thankfulness.
SHAUNA: Friend, if you need help with this, go to joniradio.org today. You’ll find scores of hopeful, encouraging messages from Joni, and lots of reasons to be thankful! We want to pray for you. Go to joniradio.org today and leave us your prayer request. And while you’re there, check out the many resources and radio programs there at your fingertips. And be sure to share that link with a friend in need of encouragement too! It’s joniradio.org.
© Joni and Friends