21 Days to Clarity, Day 3: Be Thankful

Click here for Day Two


A few years ago, on an ordinary evening, Mark was getting ready to order some takeout for dinner. He asked his wife, Mimi, what she wanted, and she answered him. A few moments later, he asked again. Puzzled, she answered again. And then, as if he had never asked the question, he asked her again.

A visit to the doctor followed by a battery of tests changed the course of their lives and confirmed their worst fear: Mark—a humbly devoted Christian, father of two and successful attorney—had an inoperable brain tumor.

I met Mark and Mimi in 1986, and over the years, they became very dear friends of mine. Mark always was a really up-beat guy, but in the midst of the chaos that comes with the demon of terminal cancer, Mark remained one of the most joyful and inspiring men I have ever met. I remember visiting with him over the holidays, in the final few weeks of his life. The entire time, the smile never left his face, as he spoke clearly and coherently about his love for the Almighty God. A God he was about to meet, finally, face to face.

On a cold February day in 2005, my dear friend Mimi buried her soul mate and the father of her children, not to mention a whole host of dreams and desires of growing old with her one true love.

In the aftermath of her loss, I asked Mimi how she was coping. She simply responded,

God told me to, “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5:18)

Honestly, I never really noticed that scripture until my friend Mimi brought it to my attention. Now I cannot think about thankfulness without thinking of Mark and Mimi, too. In fact, every time I find myself whining and complaining (whether justified or not), I remember God instructing Mimi—even in the throes of grief—to give thanks in all circumstances.

That’s huge.

Evidently, God takes this thankfulness thing very seriously. Did you realize in the Old Testament, God actually instructed His people to appoint special directors (as in, it was their JOB) over the songs of praise and thanksgiving?

For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had been directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. (Nehemiah 12:46)

Throughout this season of Thanksgiving, most of us try to reflect on the things for which we are thankful. It’s a wonderful tradition, and one I don’t want to minimize.

I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 69:30)

But living in an attitude of thanksgiving—every single day, not just during the Annual Festival of Carbs—is a spiritual discipline that reaps tremendous rewards. Being thankful in all things draws us closer to the heart of God, and thus postures our hearts toward the sound of His voice.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:14-16)

There’s nothing magical or mystical about gratitude. It doesn’t flip a prayer-switch with God. It doesn’t twist His arm or back Him into a corner to say something to us. It simply clears the clutter from the soul to make room for Him.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6-8)

God never asks us to be thankful FOR all circumstances. We live in a fallen world, and quite honestly, some of it really stinks. But He does ask us to be thankful IN all circumstances. A truly thankful heart transcends human reasoning and human ability. It knows it has a right to pout, complain…maybe even swear; but chooses instead to thank the Lord for His goodness. It is a direct link to the Throne of God.

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:4)

So if you are feeling a little foggy when it comes to hearing God’s voice, today would be a good day to examine your heart. When you pray, are you approaching God with thanksgiving? Is your heart overflowing with gratitude, during good times and bad times? If not, use the opportunity afforded by this holiday season to create a new habit.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Colossians 4:2)

After Thanksgiving (the holiday) is over, devote yourself to Thanksgiving (the lifestyle), remembering daily all the good things God has given you. Your life, your home, your health, your family, your job. His grace, His love, His forgiveness, His riches in glory. And then, daily, choose to notice the little things that bring you joy. Your favorite song, the smell of the rain, sleeping in on a Saturday, your best friend…whatever. This new habit of thankfulness will begin to slowly transform your heart and create a place where God can speak.

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. (Psalm 95:2)

Thank you, Lord, for placing Mark and Mimi in my life. Their example opened my eyes and my heart to another aspect of hearing You.

I thank my God every time I remember you. (Philippians 1:3)

For Day Four, Click Here