TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Listen: 1 Thessalonians 5
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Good movement pushes out bad movement. It is especially true with thankfulness. A life characterized by thankfulness to God pushes out complaint, anxiety and envy. Complaint is dwelling on what is going wrong (relationships, job, politics). Anxiety is when we focus on what could go wrong (one negative thing building on another). Envy is an obsession with what is going right with everyone else (we know it is true because it is on Snapchat).
For most of us, our trajectory is one or the other. We are either living a life of thankfulness or a life of complaint, anxiety and envy.
It appears that a life of thankfulness isn’t one of those things we finally achieve and never have to worry about again. It is a decision we make every day. That is why Paul writes, “…give thanks in all circumstances…” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Today’s circumstances will be different than yesterday’s. Tomorrow’s different from today’s. But in all of them—thankfulness will push out complaint, anxiety and envy.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Add three more unique things you are grateful for to your Thankfulness List. Also, write and memorize 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. If you have children in Discovery Village, you can learn these verses with them in a fun and energetic way. They have been singing this song for the past month. Watch this video and learn along with them!
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
