Giving Thanks: A Spiritual Act of Trust

A spiritual resource that many of my Christian patients find particularly meaningful is Sarah Young’s devotional, Jesus Calling. It’s a collection of daily reflections written as if Jesus himself is speaking directly to us. They are words of encouragement, comfort, and reassurance based on Jesus’ own words of hope, guidance, and peace within Scripture.

With the Thanksgiving holiday taking place here in the U.S. tomorrow, today’s reading from Jesus Calling is particularly pertinent and meaningful. Following is my slightly adapted version of this reading, one that is inspired by Ephesians 5:20, Psalm 118:1, and Psalm 89:15.

______________________

Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why I invite you to give thanks in all circumstances. There is an element of mystery in this relationship: You give Me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you Joy (regardless of your circumstances). This is a spiritual act of trust. To people who don’t know Me intimately, it can seem irrational and even impossible to thank Me for heartrending hardships. Nonetheless, those who trust Me in this way are invariably blessed, even though difficulties may remain.

Thankfulness opens your heart to My Presence and your mind to My thoughts. You may still be in the same place, with the same set of circumstances, but it is as if a light has been switched on, enabling you to see from My perspective. It is this Light of My Presence that removes the sting from adversity.

See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
• Michael Greyeyes on Temperance as a Philosophy for Surviving
• Something to Think About – November 23, 2016
• Something to Think About – November 24, 2011
• Tommy Orange: Quote of the Day – November 23, 2017
• Come, Spirit!

Image: Kristen Solberg.