Philippians 4:4-7; Living in the Presence

We are called to be joyful and thankful; we are told that gentleness and peacefulness will be the result. In a society that has a huge industry dedicated to making me feel anxious about not having the best (advertising), it is hard to be thankful. We are bombarded with "you need more" messages, when we really don't. In fact, we probably need much less in order to be truly healthy.

So how do you stay joyful and thankful when daily you are told that you are lacking? I think the answer is the little line "The Lord is near." If I really believe that, then what can a simple electronic device add to my life? If I believe that the Creator of the universe walks with me, is a new manmade anything going to add more joy to my heart? Is there room for anxiety in my heart when I experience the presence of God daily?

Tielhard de Chardin once said "Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God." Maybe put another way, it would seem that joy is the meter used to read how filled I am with God. I pray that today I can stay focused upon the simple act of rejoicing in the presence of God.

Luke 17:11-19; Gratefulness

It might be the hardest attitude to develop, i.e., gratefulness. It means that I am in a position of receiving. It means that I did not help myself but was helped by someone else. It means I recognize my weakness and vulnerability.

In a North American society that praises self-help and moving up through the ranks, gratitude is a confession that something is wrong. It is acknowledgment that society might not know everything; that I am still human and that I need others.

Only one went back to express gratitude that day; nine rejoiced in their changed state but without expressing thankfulness. Only one was commended by God. The question for me is will I be part of the 10% or the 90% today?