Praise Works Wonders
Read:
Philippians 4:4-7
Memorize:
Philippians 4:6
"In every thing . . . with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
"In everything . . . with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
How about you?
Do you talk to the Lord about the circumstances and people you face each day? Ask Him to help you have a proper attitude. Pray about difficult situations. Thank God for all the opportunities and lessons you can learn through them.
Laura slammed the door as she came in from school. "What an awful day," she moaned. "Why I was so lucky as to get Mrs. Hilton for two classes a day, I'll never know. She's a grouch, and nobody likes her!"
"Sounds like the verse we read this morning was what you needed today," said Mom. "It says, 'In everything give thanks,' remember? No matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, we should always have an attitude of praise and thankfulness to God."
Laura looked doubtful. "It's pretty hard to have an attitude of praise in Mrs. Hilton's class."
"It may be hard, but the right attitude will make the class easier," Mom encouraged Laura. "I'm sure God has some lessons to teach you in that class."
"Oh, I'm sure I'll learn lots of lessons there," grumbled Laura, "lessons like sit up straight . . . no talking during class . . . stay in your seats . . . blah, blah, blah! But I still don't see how I can be expected to give thanks for having the misfortune of being in Mrs. Hilton's class-not just once, but twice a day!"
"Well, God tells us to pray about what is happening in our lives," said Mom, "and to include thanksgiving in those prayers."
"Maybe, but I still say it will be almost impossible to be thankful in her classes," insisted Laura. "Just think! I've got to be in Mrs. Hilton's class two hours a day, five days a week, all year long! Oh, I can't stand it! It's too much!" She clapped her hand to her head and fell into a soft chair.
Mom laughed. "Now, Laura, don't get dramatic," she said. "If you have to stand it, you can. You can even win Mrs. Hilton's respect and friendship if your attitude is right. Why don't you try saying nice things about her? I'm sure that would help the situation more than grumbling does."
"Nice things about her? I can't think of any," objected Laura.
"Ask God to help you think of some," suggested Mom. "Talk to Him about it, and thank Him for the opportunity He's given you to learn something new. I think you'll be surprised at the results."
Develop a thankful attitude