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The Silver Lining

A photo of sun rays shooting out from behind the clouds against a deep blue sky. A reminder for us to look for the silver lining. The words to 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 ESV, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
by Beeda Speis for Peace in the Stillness

It’s easy to be discontent, especially when everything around you seems to be falling apart. We get depressed, bitter. Maybe we stop being able to see the good. We can’t see the silver lining.

But there are other people…people who have lost everything; people who have only a few months to live who we would expect to be discontent, negative, even surly, yet they’re singing God’s praises. Why is that? How do they do that? Is it their personal relationship with Jesus? Is their faith stronger than others? Were they just born with a sunny disposition? I don’t know.

We have the power to change

What I do know is that we have the power to change our own attitude, outlook, and state of mind, especially with Jesus at our side. When I had cancer, there were days when I was so depressed I didn’t want to get out of bed. There were times I spent crying because I worried about dying. I wasn’t worried about where I’d go after death, but I just had more “things” I wanted to do beforehand. Other days, I was happy and wanted to push the envelope of what I could do.

Whenever my kids were feeling down or sad, I made sure to tell them it was okay to feel bad. I told them they needed to feel how they felt until they didn’t feel that way anymore. Because I knew that sometimes, it’s like a light switch. When I’ve allowed myself to feel bad I get to the point where I can just flip the switch and say, “Enough of that,” and move on.

Maybe this is all disconnected sounding, but I just want to say that if you or someone you love is always down, always choosing to look for the bad in every situation, maybe they just need some help to find the good. Ask them a question, “What are you grateful for?” or, “How has God blessed you?” Just something to get them thinking in a more positive way.

Bible Verse of the Day

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

Prayer

Father, we lift up our brothers and sisters in Christ who may be having trouble seeing the positive things going on around them. Please open their eyes to the light that they may rejoice in Your love. Every day that we get to serve You is a blessing. Thank You, Lord, for Your goodness, grace, and mercy. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

I won’t ask for initials this week, because I don’t want anyone to feel as if they’re calling out a loved one. Please focus your prayers on those in your heart. If you don’t know anyone like this, please pray for those types of people, in general. If you or someone you know needs prayer, feel free to contact me here.