Daily Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:20 KJV
Ephesians 5:20 KJV
(20) Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Today’s Devotional Is THE BLESSINGS OF THANKFULNESS
SOME PEOPLE are born with a sour and feverish temperament that makes it difficult to smile and sing. No matter what our natural disposition, it is our duty to cultivate a thankful spirit if we are members of Christ. An unhappy person can have a negative effect on others. It’s miserable to work under or with a pessimist. There is no praise, encouragement, or right. One time, while I was in Aden, I saw a group of Lascars transporting mails. It was great to watch them carry the bags cheerfully, their leader singing all the while they worked. Instead of blaming our servants or employees, we can look for the things we can praise and thank them for. This will likely result in a remarkable shift in their attitude.
Joy and gladness have the advantage of being a source for strength to each individual soul and all those who are within their reach. This is why Christianity is so highly recommended! Sidney Smith said: “I once gave to a lady two to twenty recipes against melancholy. One was a bright flame; another was to remind her of all the pleasant things she had heard; and another was to keep a container of sugar-plums in the chimney-piece and a kettle on the stove. This seemed like a trivial thing at the time, but I have since discovered that small pleasures can often be more effective in banishing melancholy than larger, more important objects. This essayist’s advice may be taken to heart. We can turn joyous praise into joyful praise for all the events in our lives, and we should also feel thankful for every perfect gift from the Father of Jesus Christ. The world is sad and must pay her entertainers and jesters. It is a mystery for her that the face and smile of a Christian should be bright and cheerful, even though the fig-tree doesn’t blossom and the vine is not fruitful. We can count our blessings and treasures and find something that will make our sadness sing (2Co_6.10).
PRAYER for Today
We need to be joyful, O Lord; to praise without ceasing and to give thanks in all things. AMEN.