Thanksgiving Brings Peace
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. (Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV)
Did you know the word “thanksgiving” in the Greek is eucharistia which means grateful language?
When you look at the current events of the day, anxiousness could come easily. There are wars and rumors of wars, social upheaval, political hatred, not to mention personal challenges such as health, family and employment issues that can bring anxiety from day to day. It really seems like a lot of people are just afraid of what is happening and could happen.
But, as always, we have good news. There is an antidote for fear and anxiety. The Bible calls it ‘thanksgiving’. It says that in our anxiety, when we talk to God with grateful language, that the peace of God takes over and guards our minds like a sentry, keeping poisonous thoughts away.
Think about that. Though it seems hard to keep the negative thoughts out, there is something powerful enough to stop them and it is always at our disposal. Thankful language comes out of our mouths when we simply remember God and His love for us.
Judi and I have practiced this many times. When stressful feelings come, we just refocus on the reality of our safe position in God. It’s amazing how quickly all can seem well, even in the middle of chaos. The things of God are always stronger than the things of the temporal world. We all have a peace that has been given to us by the Spirit of God.
Sometimes we need to consciously draw from it, like you would draw water from a well. It just takes a little bit of intentionality to look at things that bring gratitude. That’s why Philippians 4:8 says, Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Those who practice thanksgiving have tapped into a secret of peace and power because greater is He who is in us than He who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Isn’t it great that we have a holiday that is centered on the power of giving thanks? I really believe that if we would purpose to use thankful language rather than complaints and fear, the life of God would readily manifest in our hearts and minds.
We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and that you have a long list of things to be thankful for. We are certainly thankful for you!