Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks

Women At The Wall’s Rededication

Read: Nehemiah 12:27-43

Doreen closed her journal and looked at the clock. It was hard to believe that in just twenty minutes, her mood had shifted from one end of the spectrum to the other. She’d started the morning feeling gloomy and grumpy, without even noticing the beautiful sunshine. She’d tried to shake off the mood, with no luck. Finally, she remembered her friend’s telling her she could improve her attitude by listing fifteen things that she was thankful for. In spite of all the problems Doreen was dealing with, she managed to list twenty-two blessings in her life. Looking out the window, she wondered, Now why didn’t I notice that gorgeous sky before?

The women in the passage from Nehemiah also experienced the joy of thankful hearts. When the people in Jerusalem finished rebuilding the city wall, everyone gathered for a dedication ceremony. Nehemiah organized two large choirs to march on the walls in opposite directions, singing and praising God. Some priests played trumpets and other musical instruments. As the people thanked God for the blessing of having a secure wall around their city again, their joy was so great that the sound “could be heard far away.”

God’s instruction to be thankful in all circumstances sounds strange to us. Surely he means for us to be thankful when we feel like it? It may seem hypocritical to thank God when we have a negative attitude, but we soon discover the benefits. According to Philippians 4:6-7, we receive God’s peace when we tell him our needs along with thanking him for what he’s already done for us. Concentrating on our blessings pulls our focus away from what we need or want and places it on God’s love and goodness. And that’s always a reason to give thanks.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18