A friend’s child suffered a minor but painful mouth injury and as a result he had to have jelly and sorbet for lunch. His mother said that having these sweet treats caused great suffering, and I was reminded of the letter to the Thessalonians:
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.*
This boy had something to be thankful for in the midst of his difficult circumstances. There is always something that we can be thankful for, even if it’s only that the trial we are in is building godly character.
I find that giving thanks is a great way to build contentment, and that getting into a habit of giving thanks is best. One of the simplest routines for a personal prayer time is “teaspoon”, so called because in recipe books “tsp” means “teaspoon”:
Thanks
Sorry
Please
This conforms with Paul’s instruction:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.**
†††
* 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
** Philippians 4:6 NASB
