Be Grateful
The other day I was complaining in my mind as I sat at a stop light. It had gone through the cycle twice already, but my turn lane never turned green. You see an ambulance had passed through the intersection and caused me to have to wait. I felt the frustration building when a firetruck went through the intersection. Great, now I had to wait for another two cycles before my light turned green. I didn’t stop and consider who might be injured and I didn’t pray until I was convicted of my lack of gratitude. I was healthy and safe but annoyed because I had to wait a few minutes and I was in a hurry.
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
We’re told to give thanks in all circumstances, not for all circumstances. There’s a big difference. One day after Paul and Silas had healed a slave girl who had a spirit in her, that predicted the future. They were beaten, flogged, and thrown in prison. They had every reason to be upset. They were mistreated for doing a good thing. But instead of being angry about their situation, they were singing and praying.
Acts 16:25
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
This is what Radical gratitude looks like. Why can we thank God in every circumstance? Because we can trust God no matter what chaos is swirling around us. Why is it God’s will for us to practice radical gratitude in all circumstances? When you see other people exhibit gratitude, like Paul and Silas displayed, how does that affect you?
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through these verses?
