Grant Cyster on remaining positive and thankful

Grant Cyster

The Bible can and has inspired innumerable fascinating discussions and debates. The study of theology can lead down wonderfully provocative and intriguing paths. There are so many theological issues that are contested within the church. The various doctrines surrounding eschatology for example...the study of end times. Or how about the role of women in church? Then there is the issue of church government...not to mention the matter of spiritual gifts. And so on and so on, and so on. There are those who have devoted their lives to a deeper understanding of these issues, and a noble and honorable quest it is in my opinion...dependent largely on their motivation of course. However, speaking entirely for myself, I sometimes question what business I have trying to mine the depths of scripture regarding some or other contested issue when there are ample scriptures that are glaringly simple that I still find myself terrible at applying and obeying. I'll give you an example.

There are ten little words in the New Testament book of 2 Thessalonians, as translated in the New International Version of the Bible, that I believe I will increasingly learn to embrace for the rest of my natural life. "Pray continually. Be joyful always. Give thanks in all circumstances." Now, all other mysteries of scripture aside, that portion alone will be keeping me busy for as long as my lungs draw breath. The scriptures go on to say that this is God's will for us in Christ Jesus. Do you want to know God's will for your life? This would be a good place to start. Among other things, these words speak to the all too easily forgotten virtue of thanksgiving. It brings to mind the old and often irritating saying, "the glass is half full." It's irritating because, when life seems to present few things to be grateful for, I don't want to hear things like that, or to be told that "every cloud has a silver lining." The fact of the matter is that pessimism and depression are almost always easier to gravitate toward than optimism and gratitude...often in the mundane monotony of life, but especially in times when hardship and confusion are at our doorstep.

If we are intent on identifying things in our lives that we would choose to be discouraged over, we will discover no lack of areas to focus on. If our minds are predisposed to seeking out negativity, we will find an abundance of material to keep them thoroughly engaged in that pursuit. Sometimes the temptation to despair is thrust upon us by external forces that are beyond our control. Yet at other times, the gloom of pessimism becomes a dark, suffocating cloak that we willingly yield ourselves to and wrap ourselves in by cultivating and nurturing attitudes that are unhealthy and counter-productive. There is no doubt that there are times when life can appear to be unbearably and unfairly difficult. However, even in the midst of severe storms that threaten to capsize our faith and render us hopeless, there always remains something to be grateful for...some blessing on which we may focus. Always. If we make it our business to intentionally identify and appreciate these gifts, we make room for our hearts to breath and to bask in the glow of God's perpetual goodness.

A meal to enjoy. A comfortable bed to sleep in. A roof over our heads. The gifts of eyesight, hearing and speech. The health of our bodies. The jobs with which we support ourselves and our loved ones. The affection of our family and friends. The opportunity to serve God relatively free of persecution. God's previous interventions in our lives. His current generosity in sustaining it now... There is always something to be grateful for. The determination to recognize these things will be nothing less than a fight at times. A good fight of faith. There will be occasions when a purposeful and vigorous act of the will will be required to direct our gaze toward good as opposed to succumbing to the pressures of evil, but we will always emerge with a clearer understanding of and appreciation for the ways in which our heavenly Father has set his grace and mercy upon us. Gratitude is a liberator of souls. It is the manifestation of a faith in a world ravaged by sin that declares the sovereignty of God to be impervious to the degradation of creation, the brokenness of humanity and the wickedness of hell. Let us be ever mindful. There are blessings to count.