Fred is a friend my age who has been dealing with liver disease quite a while and is on the list for a liver transplant in Maryland. He called to encourage me while I was in the hospital, though he has really been in a more difficult trial. Sunday I called to encourage him, but he is the one that was the encourager. He reminded me of an important attitude. “I don’t care if it is a bad day or a good day, I always give thanks to the Lord.”
Our city has experienced unprecedented flooding this week and many have suffered great loss. A news crew filmed a circle of eight or nine people praying as the devastation was shown in the background. The section of the prayer shown on television was full of praise and thanksgiving. Though they had lost their homes and property, they were giving thanks that they had been rescued and they were praising their Father in the name of their Savior, Jesus Christ.
“Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 4:16)
It is God’s will for those in Christ to be thankful. This is the reminder I’ve needed this week.
Written from prison:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)