November UPLift Newsletter

Two Hours of Thanks

Can you “thank” yourself happy? While listening to a preacher one day, I heard him describe a season of discouragement and depression. Trials surrounded him, and one thing after another went wrong. After many difficult days, he finally asked the Lord what to do. The answer surprised him: “I want you to give me thanks for two hours.” He had no more desire to give thanks than the fence post, but experience had taught him to trust that God knew what He was doing. Reluctantly, he began. Two hours seemed daunting, and he wasn’t sure he could last that long. He started with familiar blessings: family, friends, provision, a home, and food. Then he thanked God for things he often took for granted, including sunshine, mountains, flowers, and beautiful clouds. After about twenty minutes, gratitude came more easily.

Overflowing with Thankfulness

He began thanking God for things he had never considered worth mentioning—even toilet paper. To his surprise, that thanks felt neither silly nor flippant; he was genuinely grateful. Several minutes later, he noticed a change within himself. His discouragement and depression began to lift. After about an hour, tears of gratitude flowed, and he found himself laughing and crying as he thanked God. The experience left an indelible mark on his soul. The discouragement was completely gone, and now he knew what to do if it tried to come back. All that thankfulness simply adjusted what he was looking at. He was no longer focused on all the things going wrong in his life; now all he could see was the goodness of God surrounding him. Have you ever considered thankfulness as a remedy for discouragement? Is it possible that God thought of it for us? There are verses in the Scriptures that tell us, “Don’t complain or grumble about anything” (Phil. 2:14), and “Don’t worry about anything,” (Phil. 4:6).

IN not FOR all circumstances!

Instead, it gives us a much better way. “Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you.” (1 Thes. 5:18) and “Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done.” (Phil 4:6). Just to clarify, the Bible doesn’t tell us to give Him thanks FOR all circumstances, but to give thanks IN all circumstances. That’s a big difference! When we give Him thanks even when we are facing unfavorable circumstances, it tells Him that we trust Him more than what we are facing. He’s bigger than the mountain of trouble. He’s greater than the trial, so we give Him thanks.

So often when I have spoken with people who have traveled to the Philippines to visit our campus and meet all the children and families, one of the things that strikes them is how grateful the people are. The children, though they are living in poverty, are so incredibly joyful and thankful. I’ve experienced that as well.

I sincerely hope that if you are discouraged, you might consider giving thanks to God for all He has done.

I find it helps to focus on Calvary and the three crosses but especially the one in the middle. You may find that your depth of thankfulness remains there for long moments.

Friends, we are so thankful for every single one of you. Our whole desire for these newsletters is to be a blessing and encouragement to you. We are blessed by your partnership, your prayers and your support. We pray for you as well. God bless you this Thanksgiving Season.