For several months now, it seems that there has been a heightened level of stress and anxiety due to political, social and economic events. When listening to the news, it seems that we are not often given much of a chance to breathe a sigh of relief. In fact, if our hope is influenced greatly by what we hear, then it may be that many people's hope has been steadily decreasing like a tire infected with a nail.
The Bible tells us that faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17) and I don't think that it's talking about just "hearing" something like the hum of a fan in the background. Romans 10 :17 specifically says ,"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." Most of the time, when the Bible talks about "hearing", it is talking about believing, or putting stock into what you are listening to. What are you taking to heart? Are you putting your faith in what the media is saying? Are you believing everything you are hearing on Fox, CNN or even SRN news? Are you putting too much stock in what your good, reliable, knowledgeable friend in the local cafe has to say?
If you are finding yourself anxious more than peaceful, maybe a careful consideration of the following verses is in order. Are you working on living this instruction in your life? (Don't worry, this is for me, too!) The way I understand it, there is a promise in there for us if only we follow the instruction...
Philippians 4:4-9
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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (emphasis mine)
Who is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy, and who gives these kinds of things to us? - Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.
With that short introduction, here's a few ideas that I thought I'd share with you to help you think on the goodness of the Lord this Thanksgiving. I hope it's one of the best Thanksgivings you've had, as far as filling your heart with gratitude and appreciation, and not just filling the tummy with turkey and cranberry sauce. :)
Because we often don't know what we have until we don't have it, in preparation of your family meal, or sometime after: choose at least 5 of the following and take time to consider what life would be like if you didn't have those things. Next, spend time as a family or individually thanking the Lord for the blessings that He has given AND pray for those who don't have what you have.
- family
- friends
- a place to live
- the ability to worship freely with other believers without fear of persecution
- food
- clean water to drink and bathe in
- the ability to read
- the ability to see, hear, touch, talk, smell, walk, etc.
- a job
- children to nurture
- parents to be encouraged by
- a car to drive
- the freedom to be alive
- anything else that is significant to you
Put every family member's name in a bowl. Have each person draw a name and hand everyone a piece of paper and pen, then write down 10 things that they appreciate about that person.
Start looking for ways to give to others who won't have much for Christmas.
- Check out the various gift catalogs available through organizations like World Vision, Gospel For Asia and Samaritan's Purse
- Put together a "care" package for a local family that needs a little extra help and encouragement, filled with food, gift certificates, clothing, etc.
- Think of an elderly person who needs a little help around the house and commit your family to help them
- Start a routine of visiting a local nursing home to share some encouragement with elderly
- Seek ways to help orphans in your hometown or abroad (cryoftheorphan.org)
- Be creative and seek the Lord about how He would have you and your family be a blessing to others
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