"Thanksliving"

When I saw, the saints unthaw,

And really give God praise,

Somewhat surprised ‘cause my young eyes,

Had never seen hands raised.

Or shouts out loud much less a crowd,

Of worshippers on fire,

It wasn’t taught but rather caught,

By Holy Ghost desire.

I knew right then that where I’d been,

Was a calm religious place,

And quiet so long, traditions strong,

Perhaps too slow a pace.

These praisers new with them I grew,

And learned God’s wind would blow,

And we’d respond to heaven’s bond,

Quench not the Spirit’s flow.

Jesus said, with words in red,

God sought a certain kind,

Of praisers who embrace what’s true,

And in the Spirit find,

A place of thanks that far outranks,

A form without God’s power,

In every place, by God’s own grace,

Praise daily hour by hour.

In everything our thanks we bring,

In spite of circumstance,

The overflow with praise you know,

Is our consistent stance.

Thanksgiving and Thanksliving,

Are Spirit-led you see,

Our adoration giving,

To Him who sets us free.

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19, NLT)

The joyful Christian is a thankful Christian. But we all know that life’s circumstances compete with both. When our joy is threatened by trouble, trials, and terror we learn to praise the Lord anyhow. Praying and praising are the keys to living above our circumstances, but are only possible as we rely on the Holy Spirit. Not stifling or quenching the Spirit means we follow His lead wholeheartedly and depend upon His power. Our worship is based on Spirit and Truth all the way. Thanksgiving becomes “thanks-living.”

Lord, help us live thankfully, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Susan Humphrey, used by permission. Thanks, Susan, and God bless you.