And Be Thankful
by: Anne Coleman Hufham
November 27, 2024
“Let joy be your continual feast. Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus.”
What does it look like to live a life full of bearing fruit, overcoming your negative circumstances, living secure in your identity and not easily offended? A life with zero bitterness, envy, unforgiveness… but only joy, peace, love, hope. I believe what is at the core of this kind of life is a heart overflowing with thanksgiving.
Paul talked about this in Colossians 3:12 when he said, “Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, inward parts of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, long suffering; bearing one another and forgiving one another, if anyone should have a complaint against anyone; even as the Lord forgave you, so also should you forgive. And over all these things put on love, which is the uniting bond of perfectness. And let the peace of Christ arbitrate in your hearts, to which also you were called in one Body; and be thankful.”
A few years ago my husband and I read a book called “The Other Half of the Church,” by Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks. Hendricks is a pastor and Wilder has a masters degree in theology and a doctorate in psychology. Wilder studies the intersection of spiritual formation and how our brain works.
Hendricks and Wilder came together to explore the overlap between the way our brains function and Christianity. They knew that there would be wisdom in studying this since God intentionally created our brains and knows exactly how they are supposed to thrive and function. It was incredibly eye-opening learning about their discoveries.
One of our biggest takeaways was the effects of joy on our brain. We were created to live from a place of joy - knowing that I bring joy to my Father in Heaven, He is always with me, I belong in my Christian community, and I have something to offer the world, “I am at rest in His love” (Song of Songs 2:6 TPT). They talk about having joy even amidst suffering, knowing you are never alone.
Trauma occurs when we suffer alone, but when we know Jesus is with us, and we are secure in our relationship with Him and others, we can endure suffering and have joy. “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). I can attest to this in my personal life. There were a few memories in my past that I would categorize as “traumatic.” Throughout the last six years, at different times, the Lord has taken me back to those memories and shown me where He was in them. He was always right beside me. Through realizing this truth, He has completely healed me from those traumatic memories and they no longer trigger any pain in my heart.
This practice is so simple, yet very effective. Their research states that doing this practice for 30 days straight will reset our default emotional state to joy, rewiring the neural pathways in our brain to joy! Meaning our first response to life’s challenges or successes will be joy, rather than anxiety, stress, frustration, etc. I want that! I shared this with my bible study a few weeks ago and our leader, a 75-year-old woman, said “Yes! I know this to be true! I have had brain cancer, and a brain tumor, and have been healed both times by the Lord. My doctor even called me in one day to look at my brain and said “Can I have the other doctors and nurses come in and look at your brain? She laughed and said, “Yes, why?” He said “You have the youngest brain I have ever seen! How can this be?” She responded and said “I am thankful to God in everything! Every night I lay in bed and thank Him for everything He has done for me.” Would that we become a Bride who is overwhelmed by the beauty, splendor, and provision of our Bridegroom who has given us everything, including His very own life.
“Trust in Jehovah, and do good; dwell in the Land, and feed on His faithfulness,” (Psalm 37:3). What does it look like to “feed” on His faithfulness? I think it is quite simple. Be thankful. Sit in His presence. Worship and adore Him.
I have been reading Song of Songs and I love the first verse. “Let him kiss me…” My commentary says that “the kiss of God pours out a blessing over our hearts. It is the warmth of His love that convinces us He is forever turned towards us. The Hebrew word “kiss” is Nasdaq, which can also mean “to equip” or “to arm” (for battle). We need His kisses to become equipped warriors for Him.”
“Let joy be your continual feast. Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 5:16.
Worship: Worship Circle FOUNDATIONS
Prayer
Jesus forgive me for the times I have not acknowledged Your presence in my life. Holy Spirit, help me to be so aware of You in everything, more aware of You than anything else going on around me. You are the greatest treasure, You are the greatest Friend. You give me joy amidst trials, peace amidst the storms of life, and unwavering hope that is an anchor for my soul. Thank You, God for being such a loving, present Father. You delight in me, and when I seek Your face I am filled with joy. You are always smiling back at me. Would You open my eyes to see everything as a blessing from You, even challenging circumstances. You truly do work all things together for my good, and I know I can trust You. Would everyone who reads this prayer be touched by Your presence and filled with thanksgiving. Would their hearts be overflowing with gratitude for all that You have done, and hope for what is ahead. I love you!
Further Study
Psalm 100:4-5, 1 Timothy 4:4-5, Philippians 4:6-7, Ephesians 5:30
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Seeking the knowledge of the Lord (the ways, truth, and life) and aligning with His will is our calling as Christians. Reading, studying, partaking in the Word, hearing from fellow believers, dreams and visions, and personal encounters are all ways in which we can come to know the Lord.