CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 794

“Thankful”

Colossians 3:15 (ESV)  … And be thankful.

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Have you ever been around a malcontented, always negative, grumbling person?  Such people wear you down to the point that you find ways of avoiding them as much as possible.

And the Lord spoke … saying, “How long shall this wicked congregation grumble against me? – Numbers 14:26

Moses and Aaron as well as our Lord grew weary of the constant grumbling against them by the Israelites as they journeyed in the wilderness from captivity to their promised land.

…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5: 18

What about you and me? How thankful are we in the midst of our circumstances as the Lord leads us out of what has held us captive?  As the Lord frees us from the bondages of sin and idolatry, He draws us into a closer, more intimate relationship of trust in Him.  This involves letting go of some things of this world that we have become accustomed to: certain relationships, some bad habits, material possessions that have become as idols to us, etc.  We transition through our own time in the wilderness with the Lord.  Before we are too quick to judge the nation of Israel for their grumbling and desire to go back to Egypt, we need to honestly search our own hearts.  Are we given to grumbling and longing for the way things used to be or are we giving thanks in all circumstances?

Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world… – Phil 2:14

Does the light of Christ shine brightly through you in your place of work, your family, or your church?  Is Christ’s light dimmed or snuffed out altogether by your grumbling and discontentment with policies or people at work or the music at church or the behavior of some family member?

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Col 3:17

It is difficult at best to always have a thankful heart in all of our circumstances.  We cannot fake or force a thankful heart.  It is only by the presence of God’s Holy Spirit in our heart that we can offer up a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving in all circumstances.

The car battery is dead – Thank God for a coworker that gave a boost.

Leftovers again?! – Thank God for food to eat.

Lost your house; living in a rental. – Thank God for shelter.

Work is hard and the pay is low. – Thank God for a job.

Grumbling comes all too easily.  A thankful heart comes from the indwelling presence and power of a personal relationship with Jesus. Jesus gave thanks as He blessed the bread and wine at the last supper knowing full well what circumstances were coming His way.  Let the Holy Spirit show you how to give thanks in all your circumstances and in all that you do to serve others in His Name.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! – 1 Chr 16:34