Thanks-Living!

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 The Message

We live in a world full of complainers. Turn on the television and you will hear the negativity of this world. Log-on to social media and the voices of negativity are championed and even celebrated. Tune to a radio station and it won’t be long until doom and gloom are blaring across the airwaves. Beloved, it seems like everywhere we turn negativity abounds, and if you’re not careful the complainers and crybabies, grumblers, and grouchy will suck you into a black hole of hopelessness.

That’s why the Word of God is so important to a thankful and grateful disposition. When we are surrounded by so much doubt and despair, it’s comforting that we have a balanced voice for our lives. God’s Word gives us equilibrium no matter how bad things become, no matter how difficult life can be. I’m convinced we can find at least one thing to be cheerful about, one thing we can pray about, and at least one thing we can thank God for.

What about you this “Thankful Thursday?” What can you find this day, that can bring cheer to your life? Write it down. What can you talk to God about this day that will bring comfort and peace to your soul? Talk to Him about it! What can you thank God for, no matter what is happening or has happened in your life? Do it today! On this “Thankful Thursday,” on this day designated as Thanksgiving, which voice will you listen to? Will you surrender to the voices of distress or embrace God’s rainbow of hope? This is gratitude in action; this, Beloved is Thanks-Living!

Prayer: Father, I pray on this day, we will find the beauty in life, the blessings in living, and the benefit of giving you thanks because we owe you so much for all you’ve done. In Jesus’ name, Amen.