Monday morning, I opened my computer and saw an email with the title, “What to do when you don’t feel thankful.” What?
I headed straight to my Bible Study program and looked up “feel thankful” in my concordance. I checked the NIV, the KJV, the NKJV, the ASV and the Living Bible. I didn’t find even one reference to “feel thankful.”
I did, however, find references to “be thankful,” such as this one. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” [Col 3:15]
God has called us to “be thankful,” no matter what our feelings are. Our modern society rests and moves on its feelings. It has replaced critical thinking with emotions. It can’t seem to think beyond whatever emotion is driving it in the moment, anger, rage, offense, hatred, lust. Whatever it feels, it seeks to satisfy.
God cares about our emotions; I know He does. He is a good, good Father, but He wants them in the right place. They are not to lead us or drive us, they are to follow our faith, our renewed mind, our eternal encouragement, our good hope, our assurance of grace, mercy, and love.
Paul simply tells us to let Christ’s peace rule our hearts and to be thankful. Be thankful. That’s a sweet command that turns our attention from the trials and sorrows of this life. It reminds us of the blessings that are ours even in the deepest darkness. Be thankful. God has given us His love, His grace, His strength, His mercy. He has shown us His goodness and faithfulness. He asks us in return to … Be thankful.
I don’t know what might be troubling you today. I don’t know if the “after Thanksgiving” blues have set in or if perhaps yesterday wasn’t what you hoped it would be. Still, we are commanded to not allow troubles, blues or disappointments to rule … instead today remember to … Be thankful. Amen.
