Philippians 4:4-6
4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.
A few days ago most Americans sat around a table to more food than they could eat. I wonder how many know that every 17 minutes a child dies of starvation. Or that over 50% of 6 billion people suffer from malnutrition and that 80% live in substandard housing. We tend to forget these facts when we have been blessed with so much. Do these facts mean that we should not enjoy what we have been given? No, quite the contrary, as long as we realize where our gifts come from and truly do give thanks for the blessings we have. Paul tells us to always be full of joy and to give thanks to God for everything; this is before we ask for more. Jesus told us that the poor would always be with us. God is looking for those whose heart is so turned toward Him and that we always thank Him for all He has given us. God is the provider of all things and there is not a day that should go by without giving thanks to God for His generous gifts. Everyday should be thanksgiving in the life of a Christian. Material possession are not a sign of God’s love or approval of our lives, they are a sign of His provision. Those who are without even the most basic of needs are not loved any less by our God. Who can know why so many suffer except to say that God will someday soon give us understanding. Until then, we are to know that all things come from Him and thank Him everyday for everything we have. And to give generously to those in need, before we ask for more.
Have a God Day!
