Are we thankful or thankless?

 Are we thankful people? 

Many of us would automatically say, "Yes!"  But here is the challenge - when life is 'good', it is not difficult to be thankful.  However, when we are in the trials of everyday life, or a traumatic event, suddenly, being thankful is not so easy, and we can become thankless.

People do not like going through trials, however, often our character, disposition, and attitude are tested and refined through such experiences.

The definition of 'thankful' - happy or grateful because of something.

The definition of 'thankless' - unlikely to be appreciated.

How do we remain thankful instead of being thankless, in challenging times?  

Some ideas:

• Pray - prayer is powerful,
• step back and adjust expectations,
• celebrate tiny steps forward,
• choose to smile when you see a sunrise or sunset,
• hold onto joy (not happiness),
• cling to the Lord - call on Him, communicate with Him, sing to Him, worship Him,
• seek out grateful people and be around them,
• write down three things you are grateful for each day,
• read Scripture.

1 Corinthians 1:4-6 provides insight into where Paul expresses his gratitude and thankfulness for the Corinthian believers, who have been enriched by God’s grace and gifts in Christ. 

When we pray for people, regardless of their situation, 1 Corinthians 1:4-6 is a passage that you can include to show thankfulness to God for those in your life, especially our Christian brothers and sisters.

Thankfulness is a choice.  We can choose to be thankful or thankless. Regardless of the circumstances each of us might currently be undergoing, we still have a choice.

If we are to make a change, then being thankful regardless of circumstances, is a conscious decision.  I am not saying that what we go through is not real; it's often very painful and difficult.  However, the challenge for us is to check our attitudes and choose to not become offended or bitter.  If you are around a thankless person, there is bitterness and offense.   When you are around a person, who is undergoing trials, yet chooses to be thankful, you are refreshed and have joy, hope, and peace. 

The challenge today:   are you a thankful OR a thankless person?

How might you show you are thankful today?

Singing and Shouting

Looking through the Psalms, I've noticed numerous times when we're instructed to sing or shout to the Lord.

Psalm 96:1-2 (NIV) tells us, "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name, proclaim his salvation day after day."

Again, Psalm 98:1 (NIV) says, "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things;"

Some so many talented artists write and record worship songs to tell of what the Lord is doing - marvelous things! There is no reason to not worship the Lord Jesus. We have no reason to grumble that we don't know what to sing!  If you cannot find a song to sing, then I encourage you to begin reading the Psalms.  Are you struggling to pray?  Read the Psalms aloud to the Lord as your prayer.

Out in the countryside by yourself?  Maybe shout out a Psalm to the Lord.  That will get the attention of the local animals 😉 However, you decide to pray - 'singing and shouting' are some ways to express worship.  David, who wrote many of the psalms sang and praised the Lord and wrote down his pieces.  He was a musical and poetical artist. Even today, we are the recipients of these recorded compilations.

After reading some Psalms, you could write a praise piece to the Lord to express your love for him.

Spending time in Scripture and reading (I suggest aloud) some Psalms, helps to reduce anxiety and worry.  Instead of focusing on ourselves, we focus on the One who loves us.

During trials and unexpected life happenings, we can find peace and joy through reading Scripture.  As you read the Psalms, you will find that those who wrote these words also had struggles, and they tell of deep pain, real love, and overcoming.

Something to think about.

Rest

Recently I read a devotional about the importance of sleep. You can read it here.

Reflecting on this devotional, about the importance of rest, brought a realization that whilst we need to ensure we work and meet our obligations and commitments unless we are well rested and refreshed, our ability to do all we've committed to will be comprised.

After so many years of running on almost empty, health and the ability to rest well becomes compromised. Once this occurs, it is difficult to maintain keeping up with commitments, resentment can occur, and work performance and health are impaired.

Psalm 3:5 says, "I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me."

What are some ways we can ensure we are having adequate rest?

• Say No.  There are times when we need to say no. Without refreshment, we cannot fulfill the commitments made. So, review your commitments to helping others, and do a few well, instead of having resentment trying to do many. Be polite in declining requests and be prayerful about what you are to do and what you are not to do.
• Mark your diary by planning time out.  Block sections of your diary out, even on the occasional Saturday! Take this time to rest, to do something different with the family.  For example, you might like to visit a new attraction, or take a family drive, or have a picnic.
• Spend time reading the Bible and praying.  Exodus 33:14 tells us, The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Taking time out to be in the Lord's presence and resting in him helps us to (a) draw closer to the Lord and know him better, (b) not worry so much because we are assured in him, (c) we can be rested and refreshed in his presence.

Now if you are so tired that you have trouble staying awake, you're not going to be able to pray well or make good decisions. If you are running on empty trying to work, care for your family, ensure your home is tidy and meals are on the table, and try to meet commitments within the community, then some tough decisions might have to be made.  

I am not saying that we don't contribute, or that we expect others to do everything for us.  To be able to make balanced, wise decisions, engage with others, work well, and pray we need to ensure we are having refreshing rest so that we can accomplish all that needs to be achieved.

Prayer, Plan, Prepare

 All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent. Isaiah 28:29 NIV

"Prayer, plan, prepare" emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from the Lord, creating a strategy, and taking action to achieve a desired outcome. It can be a helpful reminder for those looking to accomplish personal or professional goals.

Here are some ways to apply "Prayer, plan, prepare" in your daily work process.

Prayer: Start by seeking inspiration and guidance from reading Scripture, reflecting, and spending time with the Lord in conversation.

Plan: Once you have gathered inspiration and guidance, create a plan that outlines your goals, the scope of your article, event, or project, and the timeline. Consider real factors such as budget, resources, and any potential challenges that may arise.

Prepare: With a plan in place, it's time to act. Begin by preparing the necessary materials and resources and start executing your plan. Be open to adjusting as needed and remember to stay focused on your goal.

By applying "Prayer, plan, prepare" to your strategy, you can create a focused and intentional approach that helps you achieve your desired outcomes.

One way to incorporate "Prayer, plan, prepare" into your design process is to:

• Begin with a prayer to seek guidance and inspiration from the Lord,
• Create a plan that outlines your design goals, the scope of your project, and the timeline,
• Prepare by gathering the necessary resources and materials,
• Execute your plan with focus and intention, while remaining open to adjusting as needed,
• Continuously seek guidance through prayer and reflection throughout the design process, to ensure that your outcome is aligned with your values and intentions.

Remember, competent, creative processes require both inspiration and strategy.

By incorporating "Prayer, plan, prepare" into your approach, you can ensure outcomes that are both meaningful and effective.