From this morning’s reading of “Jesus Calling,” I reflected on a passage particularly resonant during the season stretching from Thanksgiving to the New Year.
“THANK ME FREQUENTLY as you journey through today. This practice makes it possible to pray without ceasing, as the apostle Paul taught. If you are serious about learning to pray continually, the best approach is to thank Me in every situation. These thankful prayers provide a solid foundation on which you can build all your other prayers. Moreover, a grateful attitude makes it easier for you to communicate with Me.” Jesus Calling. Nov. 25.
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” —1 THESSALONIANS 5:16–18 KJV
Acknowledging the Creator for His bounties establishes a profound connection, aligning our mind, emotions, and spirit, essential for life within His Kingdom. Nature abhors emptiness, and in giving thanks, we fill this void, warding off darkness.
However, our gratitude should be more than a mere formality. It’s crucial to dig deeper, moving beyond the superficial layers of thankfulness. Routine gratitude risks becoming complacent; it’s vital to keep it genuine and heartfelt.
This act of thanking God naturally extends to appreciating others for their kindness and lifting their spirits. Even a simple smile or a word of thanks can be significant. You never know who might be in dire need of that small gesture of encouragement. It’s essential, as the Lord knows, for us to engage in this practice.
Regrettably, I admit this hasn’t been my practice. But today marks a change.
You might wonder, why today? What sparked this shift?
A dear friend recently invited me to contribute to his faith-based website, TheEverydayKingdom.com. Three months ago, I was clueless about what this entailed. Yet, each day, as I ponder its meaning, I inch closer to understanding. It reminds me that it’s up to me to take steps, however small, towards experiencing God’s Kingdom on earth.