What if Today?

Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

"What if today we were grateful for everything?" -Charlie Brown

The other day, I lay in bed sick from an upper respiratory virus. My head hurt and my body ached. I didn’t want to get up. Instead, I preferred to snuggle under the covers and feel sorry for myself—until I remembered people going through much more turmoil than myself. No, I didn’t feel well, but I didn’t need to wallow either.

Once the Holy Spirit kicked me into gear, I thanked God for my warm home, my caring husband, my beautiful family, my sweet dog, and the fact I’d recover in a few days and be back to my laptop writing. It’s amazing how gratitude can put life into perspective.

Paul reminds the Philippians not to be anxious, but to be thankful in every situation. EVERY ONE. Not just the times I’m healthy, not just the times I’m well fed, or satisfied with life, but in every situation. And then present our prayers to God. Once I get my attitude straight, then I can bend God’s ear.

Is it easy to be thankful first? Not always. Is it possible? Yes, because God is with me in everything. He’s near and aware of my situation. Do I always respond with thanks? Obviously not. But I’m going to keep on trying. Rather than focus on my anxious thoughts, I want to displace them with gratitude.

And the beautiful thing is, the peace of God, which goes beyond my understanding, will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Thank God first.