Do what?

By: Kason Dietz

Scripture Text: 

16Rejoice always, 17pray continually, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Devotional:

Some of you might have noticed that this week’s devo didn’t go out on time. There’s a really good reason for that, I promise. A stomach virus swept through my whole family this week. Gross, I know. But as I was fighting for my life against nausea and everything else that comes with it, there was a familiar refrain that was repeated over and over in my hear and mind. While I felt like I had been kicked in the stomach by a horse, I felt these words rise up in me. “In all things, give thanks.” 

It’s easy to give thanks to God when the sun is shining and everything feels right. It’s another thing entirely when you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, or you get fired from your job. It’s much harder to do when you’ve lost a loved one or your marriage is falling apart. 

I noticed as I practiced giving thanks, even while sick, that it changed me internally. When things are going wrong, it’s easy to fall into despair, even when you know that the virus will go away soon. You can begin to wonder if this will ever end. You might think that things will never get better. But as you give thanks, things do get better. First they get better inside your heart and mind. Secondly, your eyes are opened to the reality that things are getting better, so you notice when they start to be better outwardly, sooner. 

If i can give you any encouragement this week, give thanks, firstly because it’s God’s will for your life and also because it will do you more good than you ever imagined. 

Prayer:

Jesus, no matter what this week holds may we praise you and give you thanks in all things. Amen!