Heart Music

"Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:18-20)

Always give thanks in everything, no matter the circumstance.

I get it, there are plenty of things right now that you and I are dealing with. There are things that we don't naturally feel very grateful for. Maybe it's money issues, perhaps health or sickness. Frustrations with family members, loneliness, fear of tomorrow, shame from yesterday, or a relationship hanging on by a thread, and you are holding the scissors. Here is our challenge: in all of it, give thanks.  

Paul reminds us that trials of every kind lead to perseverance, perseverance to character, and ultimately character to hope, which never fails. When Paul got squeezed, Thanksgiving poured out. What about you?

When I look a little past the horizon of my present trials, I see unlimited hope and goodness, which is where I choose to set my gaze. My wife reminds me all the time that if you look for something hard enough, you will surely find it. Look for the good in people, the hope in situations, the joy in the day, and thankfulness for everything God has done, is doing, and will do. That will bring music to your heart, and joy will pour out.