In Everything Give Thanks

Read: Philippians 4:4-7

“What an awful day!” said Sophia after school. “Why do I have to have Mrs. Hilton for a teacher? She’s a grouch, and nobody likes her!”

“It sounds like this would be a good time to remind you of the verses we read for devotions this morning,” Mom said. “‘In everything give thanks,’ remember? Because Jesus saved us and is always with us, we can have an attitude of praise and thankfulness to God, no matter what situation we find ourselves in.”

“Yes, but…” Sophia looked doubtful. “It’s pretty hard to have an attitude of praise in Mrs. Hilton’s class.”

“It may be hard at times, but Jesus still wants us to thank Him and trust Him in hard situations,” Mom replied. “He often uses them to teach us important lessons.”

“Oh, I’m sure I’ll learn lots of lessons in Mrs. Hilton’s class,” Sophia muttered. “Lessons like sit up straight, no talking during class, stay in your seats, blah, blah, blah!” She sighed. “I really don’t see how I can give thanks for being in Mrs. Hilton’s class. It’s just too much!” She collapsed into a chair with a loud huff.

Mom sat down next to her. “Sophia, I think you’ll do a lot better in Mrs. Hilton’s class if you change your attitude. Instead of complaining and focusing on the negative, remember that Jesus loves Mrs. Hilton and died for her just like He did for you. Trust Him to help you show her His love in your attitude. Treat her with respect, and look for nice things to say about her.”

“Nice things about her? I can’t think of any,” said Sophia.

“Ask Jesus to help you think of some,” said Mom. “Pray for Mrs. Hilton too, and look for ways you can encourage her and show her kindness. I think if you do that instead of complaining, you’ll find it much easier to give thanks for being in her class—and you might even learn something too.”

Sophia sighed. “Okay,” she said after a moment. “Actually, she is pretty good at explaining math. I guess God knows I need help with that. I’ll ask Him to help me remember to be thankful and show Mrs. Hilton His love.”

–Barbara J. Westberg

How about you? Are you dealing with a hard situation right now? Are you struggling to get along with someone? It can be hard to have a thankful attitude in the midst of difficult circumstances, but when you remember that Jesus gave His life to save you, you can give thanks in every situation. Thank Him for always being with you, and trust Him to use the difficulties you’re facing to help you grow and show others His love.

Today’s key verse: In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: Develop a thankful attitude