Philippians 4:8-13, Romans 1:21

Paul Critchley

Particularly in the times of our own struggles and difficulties, which are without doubt part of life's journey, we can be tempted to be drawn into a place of believing that good things always seem to happen to everyone else. We can be taken to a place of focus on our troubles rather than the greater perspective of our blessed position in Christ. We can quickly come to a place where we are soon unable to see the amazing grace, goodness and provision of God. I've definitely been in that place where other people seem to be doing really well, their lives seem fruitful, their situation is great...and the truth is that in those times my attention can turn selfishly into a place of focus on my apparent lack.

It's one of our enemy, the devil's, tactics to distract us from looking on and declaring the goodness of God over our own lives and to be overwhelmed by thoughts of short term 'fixes' that only hold empty promise of temporary happiness.

Instead of grateful hearts and worship, we think on what could be 'if' we were someone else, had something else, a different job or lived somewhere better. We could make a list of 'what if's'.

I read recently this quote, 'Comparison is an ugly game that no-one wins'. It steers us away from the reality of God's heart for us as His children; those special ones that He dotes on. Remember He chose us, adopted us, drew us and He looked out for us even when we far off. He ran to meet us and flung His arms wide to greet and embrace us. He celebrates us! Wow, it seems to me that God demonsrates how much He values us whilst we can so quicky devalue all that He is and has given to us!

Philippians 4:8-13 speaks about the power of fixing our thoughts on things good, true and praiseworthy; finding our joy in the Lord, not in self or circumstances. As Paul writes this letter He's living in a place of perfect contentment even though it's thought that he is writing from his prison cell! He's living in a place of amazing faith in Jesus who's able to give him strength in every situation, no matter what the outward appearance. Paul's focus is on how blessed he is, not how terrible his position is. What a testimony!

I began to dig deeper into this with my own worship team recently. We all began to list what gifts we had been given, what we were grateful to God for; those things tangible, those relationships He'd given to us and those abilities He'd given to us. We began to focus in on what we have rather than what we don't have. There were different things for each one of us. A living example of God's personal connection with each of our lives and how He interacts with us and knows us intimately, blessing us personally! We then began to look at how we were or could bring those blessings back as an offering, being prepared to be generous with all He has given, not holding anything too tightly. It became even clearer to me, the importance of taking time to worship Him not only with our mouths but also with the practicalities of serving Him out of His great provision for us.

Our lack of gratitude and focus on the negative rather than the positive can become a dangerous downward spiral. Again, Paul shares this observation in Romans 1:21, 'For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened'. It's an important warning to us about the importance of having a thankful heart. It also, to me, speaks not just about giving God thanks for His blessings because we should, but also of the benefit to us in doing this, keeping our hearts and attitude in a positve place.

There's no doubt that daily living comes with it's difficulties, but we don't live it alone. Even our challenges bring strength and character if we allow God to shape us and mould us in the process. I'm not sharing that everything in our world must always appear to be perfect but I am encouraging us to take heart out of the rich blessings He has given to us. To stir up our faith and our level of thanksgiving.

There is an old song called 'Count Your Blessings'. I've found it really helpful on a practical level recently to speak out my blessings. Could you speak out yours down today? Could you write them down and name them one by one?

Allow your grateful heart to rise up in worship, let your heart, mind and spirit rise above your daily challenges and be put into perspective in the light of God's love and favour for you.

Why not declare the truth to yourself.... I AM blessed.