October 13

The Blessing Of Thankfulness

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. — Eph 5:20 BSB

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name. — Heb 13:15 BSB

Some people seem born with a naturally sullen or restless temperament, making it difficult for them to brighten into smiles and songs. But regardless of our natural disposition, if we belong to Christ, it is our duty to cultivate a thankful heart. A melancholy person can have a negative effect on others. It is unpleasant to work with or under someone who is a confirmed pessimist—nothing is ever right, nothing pleases them, and no words of encouragement are offered. I once watched a group of Lascars in Aden as they trans-shipped the mail. They worked cheerfully, one after another, because their leader kept them singing as they did their work. If instead of finding fault with our employees or those around us, we looked for reasons to commend and thank them, we might see a miraculous change in their attitude.

Joy and gladness provide strength to the individual soul and to everyone in their sphere of influence, and they commend our Christianity to others. Sidney Smith once said, “I gave a lady twenty-two recipes for combating melancholy: one was a bright fire, another was to remember all the pleasant things said to her, another was to keep a box of sweets on the mantelpiece, and a kettle simmering on the stove.” At the time, these suggestions seemed trivial, but I’ve since learned how true it is that small pleasures often banish sadness more effectively than grand gestures. We can interpret his advice by turning the daily events of life into occasions for praise and gratitude, seeing in every gift a reason to give thanks to our Heavenly Father. The world is sad and relies on jesters and entertainers, so it is a mystery to them why a Christian’s face can remain bright, even when life’s blessings seem scarce. If we count our treasures and blessings, we will find that even in the saddest life, there is reason to turn sorrow into singing (2 Corinthians 6:10).

Prayer

Help us, O Lord, to rejoice always, to pray without ceasing, and in everything to give thanks. Amen.