Grace and Truth: A word from pastors

This summer our congregation is focusing on the book of Philippians. We are paying special attention to the ways Paul was calling the church at Philippi—and us—to a life of joy. This is especially notable, considering he was writing from prison and not knowing if he faced more of this earthly life or life eternal. Reading and rereading Paul’s letter to the Philippians is a good way to spend the summer.

Each Sunday morning we begin with Paul’s words to rejoice in the Lord, to not be anxious, but instead, through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, to bring every situation to God, and the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Jesus.

(Philippians 4:4-7) We are sent out with Paul’s encouragement to think about the good and positive things of life, live the way Paul has taught us to live, then promised that the God of peace will be with us (4:8-9). Paul is not glossing over the hard or discouraging things of life. His situation was anything but rosy. Paul is telling us that there are better things for us to focus on. Life is hard, but God is good. Focus on the good things of God.

If we choose to focus on the negatives of this world, there are certainly plenty to capture our attention. This was true for Paul, and it is true today. There are times in our lives when it seems impossible to find anything good, let alone focus on it. Paul knew the hardness of life. But he also knew the joy of forgiveness by and relationship with Jesus. This was his focus. He practiced a life of gratitude out of his relationship with Jesus.

Practice is the key. If we concentrate on noticing the goodness of God, we will begin to see the positive things God provides, even while we live in the midst of difficult times. If we nurture this way of living when times are good, it is easier to find the good when times are difficult.

A basketball player shoots hoops over and over so that when the time comes for a free-throw, not only the player’s mind but the body will have memorized what it takes to send the ball through the hoop. A piano player plays a piece of music over and over until the music is not only in the mind but in the fingers of the pianist.

So it is in developing an attitude. We practice until it becomes automatic. If we practice negativity, a pessimistic outlook on life will be the result. Paul tells us there is a better way to live our lives—a life of gratitude leads to a joyful and positive outlook on life.
As I write, it is easy for me to be grateful. I am writing during a family vacation. My sister was given a week’s vacation at a three-storied chalet in Tennessee. She invited my parents, siblings and families to join her for the week. I am grateful.

I am grateful for a family that loves each other and wants to be together. I am grateful for a family that is willing to set aside differences of opinion about how the world should be run and to respect one another. I am grateful that my parents are still alive and healthy enough to join us in this place of beauty. I am grateful for the cheerful energy, confident trust and absolute adorableness of my nephews, as well as the discipline and security their parents are instilling in them.

Yesterday we took a long hike. It was more difficult than the guidebook had indicated. I am grateful for my legs and feet that carried me safely over the rocks. I am grateful for a healthy heart that insisted on beating as I trudged up the path. And I am grateful for the sight of the waterfall and the coolness of the moist breeze that was our destination point on the hike.

The day before, we went to an aquarium in Gatlinburg. I saw sea creatures I didn’t even know existed. What variety! And this variety is not limited to life under the sea. The varieties of plant life, birds, animals, people and scenery is amazing. I am grateful for the night sounds of the insects and the morning sounds of the local hawk. I am grateful for the many tastes of the great food we’ve been eating together. And I am grateful for the incredible imagination of our Creator, who made all this possible.

Most of all, I am grateful for this Creator God who desires relationship with us—wants relationship so much that Jesus came to show us the face of God. What are you grateful for today? If you are like me, you can begin a list, but you won’t finish it, because as you practice gratitude, it will grow. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice.