Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…
When I need a spiritual reality check I go to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Here are three key elements to a relationship with God: rejoicing, giving thanks, and praying. We should rejoice always, regardless of circumstances. We should find something to be thankful for in the good times and bad. And we should pray without ceasing, but exactly what does that mean?
We all know that prayer should be a big part of the Christian life. There are times when our hearts ache and we kneel to pray in a secluded place. Sometimes we stroll in a park and pray. Maybe we sit in a garden and think about God’s Word. One aspect of praying without ceasing is to never give up praying. Even if we are discouraged, going through trials, grief stricken, tired, or weary, Jesus told us we should always pray and not lose heart (Luke 18:1).
Another facet of that phrase refers to God walking beside us throughout the day, like our best friend. We have access to God all day long. What a privilege! We can dialog with Him day in, day out. Our daily experiences become opportunities to share our lives with Him. As we totally surrender our lives to God, we can look beyond circumstances and set our minds on what God would have us think about (Colossians 3:2).
Short, little talks with God throughout the day can help us build a relationship with God and keep spiritual perspective. When we wake up we can say, “Good morning Lord. What do we have going on today?” We can thank Him for the taste of that cup of coffee we enjoy so much because it helps us start our day. When we read a passage of scripture or our daily devotional, we can ask God how we can apply it today.
On the way to work, we can discuss that problem we are having with a coworker and ask God to give us patience so we don’t say something we shouldn’t. When we pass a car accident or hear an ambulance, we can pray for the people involved. As we drive, perhaps thoughts of certain people pop into our mind and we can ask God to protect, encourage, or comfort them depending on what’s currently happening in their lives.
When we are held up in a traffic jam, we can ask God to help us realize there are so many worse things that could be happening to us. When a friend calls, talking about some trouble she is having with her teenager, we can ask God to give us the wisdom to say something helpful. When a difficult situation comes up at work, we can ask God to help us be part of the solution, not the problem. As we fall into bed at night, we can tell God three things we are thankful for.
The list is endless. Of course, we want to take time to listen as well. God may speak to us through a beautiful sunset exclaiming that He is the Creator, or through a child’s laughter reminding us to become as little children. Prayer can be a conversation we have with God all day long. We are conscious of His presence. Letting God walk with us and be part of our daily lives will not only enhance our relationship with Him, but it will keep our minds focused on spiritual things. Then we will be better equipped to rejoice always and give thanks!
*****
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
