Be Thankful-8

Thanksgiving

 

I have experienced physical pain as well as emotional pain in my life. The physical pain has been headaches, back pain, and knee pain. The migraine headaches were daily in the 1980’s so I entered a pain center in San Diego to learn how to live with the headaches. I learned passive relaxation where with breathing and relaxation one is able to control the heart rate and relax even in pain. To relax, I would tense a muscle group, breathe and then relax the muscle group. Also I learned to meditate. I was never really good at this because my mind would wander.

The Apostle Paul writes to the Philippians. He writes to his beloved brethren imploring them to stand fast in the Lord. There were two women who were causing consternation in this church. But Paul reminds the church to pray. He promises the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart. The next verse of scripture is on meditation. Paul is utilizing this verse to encourage the church to refocus on the good not the petty. Today, when I hear the word,  “Whatever” I think of someone using the word sarcastically.  But Paul is instructing believer’s to experience the peace that was just discussed in the above verse one must fix his or her thoughts on truth.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.  Philippians 4:8-9

I still have chronic pain. I choose to be joyful. I choose to put one foot in front of the other and serve the Lord. Don’t get me wrong some days are more difficult than others and I have to hold back the tears. But by going I help others and I experience that God’s grace is sufficient to meet my needs.  Lastly, in a journey of thankfulness. One must remember.

 

Father God, today I am thankful that regardless of our circumstances, you are with each of us. Help me to take every thought captive to your word. Let your light shine in our lives. Lord, help us live in thankfulness. I am thankful for your word. I am thankful that I can do all things through you because you give me strength. Lord for the person who is still struggling with a critical attitude will he or she confess being critical and think on things that are lovely. Lord when tempted to grumble, call to my mind the blessings I have in my life.

Your turn, today I am thankful for…………………………

Blessings.