First Response – Give Thanks
By Denise Ferrell
In everything, give thanks: for this is the will of
God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thes 5:18 (KJV)
With Thanksgiving at our fingertips, we’re
confronted with our attitude of gratitude. As we look around our homes,
our neighborhoods, our communities and our world, we often see pain and
suffering. Families and loved ones face sickness. Our beloved injured
veterans return home, and their families become fulltime caregivers to those
who are unable to care for themselves. Depression, particularly during
the holidays, is a formidable tormenting spirit.
In the midst of despair, we find
blessings. A cancer patient offers words of encouragement to a child who
has been abused. A veteran with physical limitations is fed by his
devoted son. Though dealing with her own depression, a wife reaches out
to offer support to an elderly neighbor who needs transportation to her
pharmacy. God not only blesses us, but He uses us as a means to bless
others. This is part of God’s purpose for each of us.
It is not always easy to give thanks in all of
our circumstances. If we want to give thanks to God in everything, we
can’t allow our feelings to determine our first response to adversity.
When you don’t “feel” like giving thanks, tell God “thank you” anyway.
After repeated efforts, you’ll find your feelings will step aside to allow the
first response of gratitude.
Denise is a Registered Nurse who resides in
Alabama with her husband. She looks forward to the soon return of our Lord.
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