A Moment With Pastor Fred
I’ve enjoyed the ministry of Dr. Michael Emlet, faculty member at CCEF. I’m abbreviating a wonderful article I recently read by him – will continue it next week.
Do you lament that moments of beauty, joy, and laughter in your life are so fleeting? Challenges and griefs of life in this fallen world can quickly overshadow our perception of the good that God brings. Too often when life is difficult, I think, “If I can just get around the corner of this, then I can experience joy.” But the apostle Paul described his experience as “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing,” 2 Cor 6:10. The Lord takes care of his children now by granting a multiplicity of tangible kindnesses each day. So how can we grow in gratitude and notice these things? Let me suggest ten ways we can stretch a momentary joy into a more durable posture of gratitude.
- Open your eyes and slow down. “This is the day that the Lord has made.” Ask God to make you more mindful of his work and his ways throughout your day.
- Remember you are not alone. Jesus, by his Spirit, is present with you every step of your day, whether it feels like green pastures or the valley of the shadow of death.
- When you find your heart moved by joy see it as God’s kindness to you. It might be a beautiful sunset or the funny thing the dog just did. Thank the Lord right then as the Giver of this good gift.
- Contemplate your spiritual blessings by your union with Christ. Start each day asking God to help you experience the reality that you live under his smiling, not frowning face.
To be continued …