This time of year, is a reminder of our need to always have an attitude of thankfulness, but it can also be a time of stress for families as they navigate the holidays. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:6,7 NKJV). I have often found the first verse a challenge. Yes, it is easy to call upon God when we are anxious about something, but it is challenging to be thankful at the same time. Nevertheless, that's what God's word tells us to do, and he has promised us true peace if we do it.
We do not usually feel thankful when we are dealing with stress. However, being thankful can help us put things in perspective, especially in difficult times. Daniel prayed and gave thanks before his God (Dan. 6:10) when he knew that prayer to anyone, but the king could result in death. But Daniel also knew it was God, not the Persian king, who was the King of kings. The apostle Paul wrote that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:23b-24). Jesus knew that he was about to face betrayal, abandonment, mockery, violence, crucifixion, separation, and death. Yet, he gave thanks! We ought to be thankful for what our Lord did on that cold and dark night. On another occasion, when Paul was on a ship with 275 people whom had not eaten for many days because of being lost at sea, he encouraged them all to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you. And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then they were all encouraged and also took food themselves (Acts 27:34-36). The rest of the story reveals how God saved every person from the stormy sea.
The attitude of thanksgiving is the right attitude for prayer to God. Even when things look bleak, God hears us, and for that alone we should be thankful. Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him (1 John 5:14,15). Even when our adversary causes suffering in this life, we know our Lord will give us victory over him and repair any damage that might have been done - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 5:9-11). Therefore, in any and all situations, particularly under stress, may we choose to be thankful (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Brotherly, Jamie
