Thankfulness: A Gift for the King
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28
Many years ago around this time of year, I noticed that I had drifted into negativity again. With Christmas around the corner, I decided that I would guard my mouth, mind, and attitude throughout the days and weeks before Christmas as a birthday present to Jesus. He was worthy of my praise and honor—I knew that; I also knew that He deserved all the thanks I could give Him; I just didn’t realize just how profoundly my attitude-adjustment would affect me. The dull gloom of negativity started to evaporate; genuine joy, peace, and a sense of purpose flooded my heart once again.
Throughout December, take note of the flow of your heart, your mind, and your mouth. And despite the circumstances, the stress, the conflict, the disappointment, or any general sense of heaviness or oppression you may encounter, I challenge you to make it your cause to give thanks to God. Give thanks for all that is good in your life—make it your daily holiday habit—and give thanks in spite of all the “stuff” that may be piling up and weighing you down. Give thanks for the good; give thanks despite the bad.
As a former eighth grade teacher, I taught the scientific method to science-fair weary students. As I instructed them, I myself learned the value of testing hypotheses against variables. And I discovered that just as the natural world can be investigated using this method, so can the principles of the Bible.
And since I am a teacher, I will give you some homework. Here is your two-fold assignment from now until the New Year:
- Perform a scientific experiment. Enforce the flow of your mind and your mouth. When pressure or bad news arises, bring your mind and your mouth back to the good report, i.e., what does the Bible say? Where is the miracle in this madness? God will provide it, and I will give Him thanks before I see it—now—even though I don’t feel like it. Remember, you won’t be able to control the circumstances that come your way, but you can control the thermostat of your mind and heart with gratefulness—and you can curb what you say. Stick with it throughout the holidays, and then, on New Year’s Eve or Day, look at the outcome. You will find that the scientific method and the Bible go hand in hand.
- Give thanks consistently to the Lord as your birthday present to Jesus. Not only will you be performing a scientific investigation of meritorious value, but you will also be delighting the heart of your Savior. Honor Him with your thoughts and words this holiday season; make it your ambition and daily aim to please Him with your hour-by-hour, minute-by-minute inner and outward conversation. I believe He will show you just how much it thrills His heart when you minister to Him this way!
Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas season—and may it be more than you can ask or imagine!
Dorothy
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17