How we deal with the issues of life will depend on the condition of our heart and how we keep it, or guard it. The world makes it too easy to allow strife, depression, or anger to rule our hearts. For some it might be fear, bitterness or pride. There is no lack of competition for what will rule our hearts living in this world. That is why God has provided us with the blueprint to combat these things; His peace. When you remember how much He loved you to save your soul, you will find His peace overruling your anger or strife. When you remember that the joy of the Lord is your strength, you will find His peace overruling your depression. When you remember that God did not give you a spirit of fear but one of power, love and a sound mind, you will find His peace overruling your fear. When you remember how much God overlooked in your past in forgiving you, you will find His peace overruling your bitterness. When you remember that it is God who has provided all that you have, you will find His peace overruling your pride.
Without His peace we will find ourselves being ruled by the very things we often do not like in others or ourselves. Our heart can be hardened by our feelings. That hardening can lead to feeling unthankful and as a result, we will find it increasingly difficult to praise God. The bitter person does not think that he has anything to be thankful for. The prideful person thinks they have accomplished their success themselves; no need to thank anyone else. The depressed person has a heart filled with such sorrow within themselves, about themselves, that they often will not stop to reflect to God and thank Him.
And thank Him we should. He has saved us from ourselves and this world. He has gone to prepare a room for us and given us eternal life. He has given us His word as a guide through this life and has implored us to guard our hearts and allow His peace to rule. Continuing in the Philippians verse referenced earlier:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6-7
It is His peace that guards our hearts beloved. With our hearts guarded we are free to praise Him and offer thanksgiving to our King. Not just on a day set aside to offer thanks but every day. It should be a continuous offer of thanksgiving to God. Let His peace reign in your hearts and proclaim every day, Thanksgiving Day.
Anthony Wade Thanksgiving 2008.
