Based on "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young
One of my favorite Disney movies is "Pollyanna," the story of an orphaned missionary child who comes to live in a town ruled by her hard-hearted and controlling aunt. Pollyanna wins the hearts of the townspeople with her determination to find something to be glad about in every situation, even on Sunday when the preacher preaches hell-fire and damnation sermons and gives his congregation heartburn. When challenged to find something to be glad about, Pollyanna tells a group of irritated household servants, "It'll be another whole week before the next Sunday."
What's WRONG with Pollyanna? Not a thing. She's biblical. It's what's wrong with us: we don't want to hear a positive side when we're wallowing in self-pity or when we're pretty sure no one has experienced what we're suffering to the extent we're suffering.
Negativity requires no effort while gratitude requires a "supernatural response" (Sarah Young) of turning our hearts and minds toward how God has already worked in us during difficult times. Supernatural responders thank Him all over again and with each example of His grace to us in the past, peace grows in our spirits.
It's Sunday. Let's rise above our circumstances and feelings and call on Jesus in trust and gratitude. Let's be Pollyannas and find something positive to say, even if we're the only ones. Let's be childlike again and remember how simple it was to thank God: "God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for . . . "
Lord Jesus, I call on You in trust today. You know how easily we lie down and let the freight train of negativity run over us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Fill us with determination to replace whining and complaining with praise and thanksgiving. Guide us to lift others up and turn their minds to what You've done in our lives, our families, our churches, for our eternities. May we rejoice in Your salvation and Your unfailing love. Teach us to count our blessings with sincere thanksgiving and use us to help others do the same.
In the name of Jesus who gave hope to the man hanging on the next cross
"But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation." Psalm 13:5
" . . . always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20
Beautiful, Robin.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you sang this morning. I was hoping we could hear you sing once more before you leave. I must admit, I had tears in my eyes, though.