Day 6 of Lent: What can you use as an antidote to worry, anger, and misery?
What can you use as an antidote to worry, anger, and misery?
1 Thessalonians 5:18 gives us an insight as it tells us “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Another word for thanks is gratitude. Think about how things would be different if you are not worrying, being angry or acting miserable, but instead being grateful.
There are two keys to gratitude in that verse.
First of all, Paul reminds us to give thanks “in all circumstance.” It is easy to give thanks when things are going well, when you have plenty or when you are happy. Paul reminds us that we can truly give thanks in all circumstances and be grateful.
Paul tells us that we can feel and act that way “in Christ Jesus.” When we know that Jesus gives us forgiveness and promises us heaven while also guiding and directing all things for our good, we can truly be grateful and give thanks in all circumstances. This does not mean that we will be smiling from ear to ear all the time or even having a completely positive outlook. But don’t give up on gratitude! In Jesus you have so much to be grateful for in every circumstance of life.