In the Bible, James is so wise. He gives insight about how to respond to a variety of different situations. Here’s an example. In James 5:13 he writes: “Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” Simple. Straightforward. But what difference does it make? Earlier he has said that “Every good and perfect gift is … Continue reading Directing your happiness
gratitude
Contributors, not just receivers
Here in Canada it’s Thanksgiving Monday. Even though it’s a tough time, there’s a lot to be thankful for. I’ve got a gratitude list the length of the Great Wall of China. But today I want to think about thankfulness from another angle. There was a time when the ancient Israelites were exiled from their … Continue reading Contributors, not just receivers
Remember this feeling
Last week I came across a picture that someone from my congregation posted on Instagram in winter. It was snowy and she was cross-country skiing to church! It’s a picture that both is beautiful and powerful in its simplicity. (It’s the photo that goes with today’s devotional below.) It got me thinking about the things … Continue reading Remember this feeling
A simple ‘Thank you, Lord’ — from Little House to yours
Here in Canada it’s Thanksgiving Monday. I remember an episode of the iconic Little House on the Prairie. The dad and farmer in the family was Charles Ingalls, played by Michael Landon. It was harvest time. He walked through his bountiful field, swaying his hands through his beautiful crop. As he did so he looked … Continue reading A simple ‘Thank you, Lord’ — from Little House to yours
What you’ve already been given
Bob Russel tells a story about a farmer who once grew discontent on his farm.* The lake needed to be stocked and managed and the farm itself was an incredible amount of work. It was hilly, the cows needed tending, and the fences needed mending. He decided he was unhappy and wanted to move somewhere … Continue reading What you’ve already been given
You and gratitude vs. worry
This week we’re talking about worry. Unfortunately, much like water damage, friends who turn their back on you, or health problems, worries are often a difficult and deflating part of life. To counterattack the onslaught of worry, practice gratitude proactively. Consider the famous Psalm 23:1: “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in … Continue reading You and gratitude vs. worry
Comparing highlight reels to your behind-the-scenes
More and more of us are spending time on social media. And before you think I’m anti-social media, I’m not. I just think we should be realistic about the role it plays it our lives—both positive and negative. One of the negative things is that it can depress us. I’ve read about a few studies … Continue reading Comparing highlight reels to your behind-the-scenes
He wants your whole heart — and your heart whole
Your mental health and well-being is critically important to your overall well-being. It matters to you, the people around you, and God. Max Lucado says that God “wants not only your whole heart; he wants your heart whole.” But mental health doesn’t get talked about very much. There’s a lot of misunderstanding. Maybe it’s because … Continue reading He wants your whole heart — and your heart whole
Guarding against the noose of envy
Being thankful is harder than it seems. But it’s worth it. It can exponentially improve your outlook. And, as I’ll explain on Sunday, intentional gratitude can even play a significant role in improving your mental health. But a part of the reason it can be hard to cultivate an attitude of gratitude is because there … Continue reading Guarding against the noose of envy
Radical gratitude, fleas and Nazis
Corrie ten Boom was able to find radical gratitude in a concentration camp. Her experience can teach us a lot, and improve our perspective on life...
