In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Thanksgiving is a command. Concerning you. Concerning me.
This command was my primary resolution for years with very limited success. I didn’t have a plan to actually make it happen.
I’m trying again … with prayer … with a plan.
Step One: Determine throughout the day to keep up a stream of thanksgiving. On our drive this morning: Thank You, Lord, for a beautiful day, for perfect walking weather, for golden leaves, for a reliable car, for the health and ability to walk, for a pleasant walking path, for …. Do this every day, making it a habit. This makes thanksgiving easier when things are not as nice.
Step Two: Become conscious of what I say to myself or out loud.
Step Three: If my thoughts or words are grumbly or critical; if my thoughts or words are not thankful, I resolve to stop myself and replace grumbly/complaining with thanksgiving. (This is NOT saying I should ignore godly discernment of issues and the appropriate response, just my all-to-normal failure to thank God.)
Step Four: There are ALWAYS reasons to thank the Lord. ALWAYS. But here are two examples of irritants of life where I have opportunities to thank.
- Stop and go traffic. Instead of grumbling, thank God that I have a car and the ability to drive. Thank God He has kept me safe on the drive. Pray for the other drivers. Pray for myself to be thankful!
- The furnace failed. And it is snowing. Thank You Lord that the power is still on and we have portable heaters. Thank You that we have a reliable, local company to call. Thank You that I have the opportunity to show my faith.
Step Five: Repeat and repeat and repeat until it becomes a habit to give God thanks rather than grumbling or complaining.
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I am determined to make thankfulness a characteristic of my life. And to be ready to explain if someone asks me how. Lord, help!
