Do You Take God for Granted
READ: Philippians 4:4-7
Bad things happen to people everyday without warning. A person could get up in the morning and WHAMMO! Bad things. The person could have anything from a bad hair day to a flat tire. They could get into a fight with their mom or dad, or even break up with their girlfriend or boyfriend. It doesn't matter who you are, or what you do - everybody is bound to have one day where they just seem to have nothing good happen to them, their lives seem hopeless and gloomy, and all that seems to lie ahead is despair and grief.
When times seem down, it's easy to complain and just be in a bad mood. When that's the case, the basic blessings in life usually slip by unnoticed. After all, how many times do we thank God for the air He gives us, or the roof over our head, or even the food He so graciously gives us?
The Apostle Paul sets a good example of rejoicing because of what His Savior did for him, even though times were tough. He wrote the letter to the Philippians when he was under arrest by the Roman Government for the preaching of God's Word. How easy it would have been for him to have given up on God and faith. But Paul, recalling the ultimate blessing given to him in Jesus, wrote, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
I think that would be a hard thing to do, considering his situation. By the power of the Holy Spirit we should strive to follow Paul's example and rejoice in the glorious Gospel that sets us free.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: What are some blessings that you take for granted? How can we encourage others in their troubles?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Thank God for the little things in life. Ask for help to overcome the hardships in your life, and for courage to encourage others.