In ALL Circumstances?
Are you excited about Thanksgiving and the upcoming series of holidays that follow? Though most would agree that the holidays are a joyful time, about 43% of Americans say that the stress (financial worries, missing loved ones, depression) of the holidays interferes with their ability to enjoy them. . . . Enter Dave Glander with a timely blog to help us prepare for this time of year with a biblical perspective. When you're finished reading, our prayer is that God's Word will provide the point of view you need to "rejoice in all things."
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Is Scripture ever tough for you to live out? I can relate! We are supposed to be thankful this time of year, but when Thanksgiving rolls around at an inopportune time for that to happen, what do we do, or how should we “feel”? 1 Thessalonians is just one place where the Bible tells us that we should live a life of gratitude no matter our attitude!
In full transparency, this time of year gets a little tough for me. I come from a very small family and lost both of my parents quite a while ago. Especially during the holidays, I’ll see others’ family photos in which their families take up a whole living room, and I can’t help but feel like I’m somehow missing out. And I don’t know about you, but my wallet isn’t exactly where it was four years ago. Hence, the idea of Christmas shopping causes anxiety I wasn’t looking for. Even McDonald’s costs $12 for a single meal nowadays! While you may not have my exact woes, you probably have your own set of things that get in the way of “feeling” thankful this holiday season.
Feelings are funny things. They are an emotional response that can be like a roller coaster. One minute, we feel one way, and with one phone call, our feelings can change on a dime. Is it Ok for us to “feel” things? Absolutely! God created us to have emotions. But, can we TRUST our feelings? Absolutely NOT! Feelings can lie faster than our ability to see through them. I’m sure you have had a time when your thoughts took you to a place that you later realized was not reality.
When our “feelings” let us down, we can turn to the One whose character will never fail us (Joshua 21:45).
Some people can even be caught up in so much worry that they are constantly living in anxiety. But again, the Bible gives us advice on how to know better. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
If you’re feeling anxious this Thanksgiving, take a moment to slip away into your secret place and pray. With thanksgiving, let God know what you’re feeling anxious about. I know it may be hard, but as the Nike ad says, “Just Do It!”
You see, unlike our wavering feelings and emotions, which can change on a dime, our God NEVER changes (Malachi 3:6)! That’s GREAT news! When our “feelings” let us down, we can turn to the One whose character will never fail us (Joshua 21:45). The Bible describes Him as the friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24), and He’s the very present help in times of need (Psalm 46:1). All we need do is call on Him. He said, “Call on me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:15).
So, you and I have a choice. We can choose our feelings or God’s character this holiday season. And you know what? When I think about how blessed I truly am, it changes my mind about how I feel about my circumstances. There’s actually a great recipe for accomplishing this.
Philippians 4:8-9 gives us an indestructible plan for successful thinking.
“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Did you catch the result at the end?
Do those things, and THE GOD OF PEACE will BE WITH YOU! When I stop thinking about the size of someone else’s family, the amount of money in my bank account, or how McDonald’s has become as expensive as fine dining, I can start thinking about how my granddaughter is the firstborn into a Christian family (thanks to God setting me free as the first fruit of our little family). I also will be free to think about the beautiful place I have to call home and that I have an adventurous life in ministry.
When I count the number of true friends who would take a bullet for me that I consider family, I’m filled with peace, not anxiety. Now, I may have to wake up every day and remind myself to be intentional about what I choose to occupy my mind space with, but when I choose Philippians 4:8, it works. It REALLY works! And because it’s not some kind of self-help routine but comes directly from the Word of God, it will work for you, too!
We don’t need to feel depressed or anxious this Thanksgiving. Remember, it’s what we choose to think about that will steer the outcome of our feelings, and the Truth of God will never fail. He is good all the time, and all the time, God __ _______*!
To learn more about Dave Glander, and to book him as a speaker, click HERE.
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Posted in Dave Glander
Posted in Dave Glander, Reasons for Hope, Thanksgiving, holidays, 1 thessalonians 5:18, dealing with depression, financial stress, Philippians 4:6, Malachi 3:6, Joshua 21:45, Proverbs 18:24, kPsalm 46:1, Psalm50:15, Philippians 4:8-9, God is good all the time., All the time--God is good.
Posted in Dave Glander, Reasons for Hope, Thanksgiving, holidays, 1 thessalonians 5:18, dealing with depression, financial stress, Philippians 4:6, Malachi 3:6, Joshua 21:45, Proverbs 18:24, kPsalm 46:1, Psalm50:15, Philippians 4:8-9, God is good all the time., All the time--God is good.
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