“Thankfulness draws others in as they sense your appreciation for life’s blessings.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 22, 2024
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I read an article recently where Mary Varghese Presti, a businesswoman with Microsoft, described her philosophy of working with people: “Your vibe attracts your tribe.” People want to work with people they like and whose company they enjoy. She went on to relate her experience of helping customers in the healthcare industry see the benefits of using tablets in place of handwritten notes. She avoided using guilt, being demanding, or using facts and logic and instead empathically told her story of being a pediatric nurse who had experienced similar situations as those she was now trying to convince of a better way to care for patients. Mary coined the phrase “optimistic fortitude” to illustrate her kind persistence. Relatability builds trust.
Paul’s command to “rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances” reflects his persistent trust in God’s presence and purposes, no matter the situation. He endured countless trials—imprisonment, rejection, physical hardship—yet his faith remained resilient. This wasn’t because of his circumstances but because of his perspective. Paul saw every moment, whether good or bad, as an opportunity to connect with Christ and grow in reliance on Him. To “rejoice always” doesn’t mean ignoring life’s struggles; instead, it’s finding joy in knowing the Lord is with us and for us. “Pray continually” keeps our hearts aligned with His, and “give thanks in all circumstances” encourages us to recognize His goodness, even in difficulty. This faith warrior understood that maintaining a joyful, prayerful, and thankful heart isn’t natural—it’s supernatural, sustained by the Holy Spirit within us, as we align with God’s will and deep faith.
Real-life struggles require an optimistic fortitude rooted in faith. At work, you may feel undervalued or overwhelmed by responsibilities. Instead of frustration, choose gratitude, asking the Lord for strength and wisdom to shine through your efforts. At home, family dynamics or financial strains might weigh heavily. Here, optimism isn’t pretending all is perfect but trusting Jesus to provide and guide each decision, bringing peace to your family. Health challenges can test your endurance; physical pain or limitations may feel discouraging. In these moments, find peace in God’s power to heal, comfort, and carry you. With each struggle, remember, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13), and lean on His steadfast love.
If you want to attract people who genuinely uplift and enjoy your company, start by embodying qualities that reflect God’s goodness. Be joyful—not a surface-level happiness, but a joy rooted in Christ. Let your spirit shine with a peaceful confidence that others find refreshing and uplifting. Cultivate a prayerful attitude, approaching each interaction with humility, compassion, and grace. Pray for wisdom in your words and kindness in your actions, knowing God will guide you. And let gratitude shape your conversations. Thankfulness draws others in as they sense your appreciation for life’s blessings, big and small. Living with joy, prayerfulness, and gratitude will naturally draw people who value authenticity, kindness, and faith—qualities that make friendships thrive and deepen. Optimistic fortitude is God’s gift to receive, rest in, and share!
Prayer
Lord, grant me optimistic fortitude in all circumstances. Help me to see challenges through Your eyes, trusting that You work all things for good. Strengthen my spirit to remain hopeful and resilient, even in trials. Let my faith shine, drawing courage from Your presence and peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
What worries you that you can’t control, but what gives you hope that you can control? Pray and trust God with what is out of your control, and pray for wisdom, trust God, and be bold to focus on what is in your control.
Related Reading
Psalm 33:20-22; Proverbs 3:5-6; Lamentations 3:22-24; Romans 5:3-4
Worship Resource
Josh Baldwin: Made for More
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