We set our defaults on our computers, on our phones, even on the apps on our phones. Some of these defaults help the systems to run more smoothly or more to our personal preferences.
I challenge my tech-savvy kids to “default to happy”. If we set our minds to be joyful, doesn’t life run more smoothly? Isn’t life more enjoyable if we walk around with smiles on our faces instead of frowns? Looking at the positive side of the situation instead of the negative? Seeing how God is at work even in our difficulties?
Joy is a result of a habit of thankfulness. Scripture commands us to be thankful in all things. Really…ALL. That’s a tall order, isn’t it? If you make a habit of thankfulness, it starts to become second nature.
Last year we lost my dad to a difficult bout with cancer. Throughout his decline, I thanked God for Dad’s medical care providers, for the drugs and procedures that provided him relief, for the time we had to share love and discuss his faith, for the time with my other family members, for the loving marriage my parents shared…you see, thankfulness in all things. Many times thankfulness took effort, but I felt God’s presence more as a result of that effort.
Just like a computer sometimes needs a reboot, so do I. Despite the fact that I maybe set my default to happy yesterday, I might need a restart today to fix my settings back to that happy default. It’s only natural to have to remind yourself at times, especially as you are learning to make thankfulness and joy your daily habit. When you do, you will grow deeper in your love for the one who provides us so much to be thankful for… and for the one who died on the cross so you can live life abundantly.
Dear Lord, help me to be truly thankful in all things. Help me to see your presence in my daily life and to be thankful for your perfect nature. Thank you for giving me the ability to put aside worry and replace it with peace and rejoicing. Help me to keep my eyes on you so I can properly fix my thoughts. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen
Philippians 4: 4-8 (NLT)
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
by Deb Russell