Crosswalk the Devotional - Feb. 27, 2008

February 27, 2008

My Pollyanna Day 
by Meghan Kleppinger, Editor, Christianity.com

In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18, NAS

My head feels heavy, my nose is stuffed, my throat is on fire, I can barely swallow, my eyes are runny, I have a fever, I’m dizzy and pretty tired, and yet, I have an amazingly positive outlook. Even though I have a horrible sinus infection, I’m feeling a bit like the fictional character Pollyanna. She invented the glad game, and today I feel like I’m playing the “thankful for” game.

1. I’m thankful for the small things like throat drops and tissues. 
2. I’m thankful for trained medical professionals and penicillin. 
3. I’m thankful for warm tea and soup. 
4. I’m thankful for encouraging friends. 
5. I’m thankful for my bed, which is currently piled high with blankets. 
6. I’m thankful for warm baths and vapor rub.
7. I’m thankful for a cozy couch, good books, and wonderful old movies. 
8. I’m thankful that my parents live close by. 
9. I’m thankful for flannel pajamas and purple fluffy slippers.
10. I’m especially thankful that I know that this will pass and I will be well again.

I don’t enjoy being ill. I’m quite miserable actually, but I’m thankful for these times that cause me to count my blessings.

We have been told to be thankful in everything, but that’s asking a lot when we’ve found out someone we love is sick or dying, when facing financial ruin, or when trying to survive a broken relationship. How are we to give thanks when things are so bad that there is nothing left to be thankful for?  

In his devotional “For He is Good,” pastor and ministry leader Greg Laurie explains it well: “We are not told to give thanks to the Lord because we feel good; we are to give thanks to the Lord because He is good.”

Basically, it’s not being thankful for the circumstances, which do change; it’s about thanking the One who is in control, does have a plan, and unlike our circumstances, never changes.

Would I still be thankful if I didn’t have this list of blessings? I sure would like to think so, but I’m guessing my “game” would have a very different list. Actually, it wouldn’t be a list at all. It would just be this… 

1. I’m thankful to God because He is good and His love and mercy endures forever.

“Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” —Psalms 106:1

Intersecting Faith & Life: Michael Youseff reminds us to return to the word in times of hardship. He states,  “Circumstances may deceive us but God's Word tells us: ‘We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose’ (Romans 8:28).” (From the article, “And be Thankful: A Thanksgiving Meditation”)

Further Reading

How To Let the Attitude of Gratitude Change Your Life
And be Thankful: A Thanksgiving Meditation