By Hope 103.2Thursday 6 Jun 2024Real Hope – The PodcastPodcastsReading Time: 2 minutes
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 (NIV)
Key points
- When we focus on the hope that is in Christ, our joy wells up, and we can give thanks.
- We can say thank you to God, because He is at work for good in and through all things.
- Listen to the Gratitude series and others on Real Hope | The Podcast.
I had just finished my shopping. I had stopped at the bakery to buy a fresh loaf of bread and a pastry to have later with a cup of tea.
Out of the corner of my eye I could see the Mater Prize Home ticket seller. He was waiting impatiently for me to conclude my purchase. He knew I would walk past him, and he was hovering. I did my best to avoid eye contact, but I failed. He rubbed his proverbial hands together and cranked up his spiel.
Much as I would like to support caring for sick children, I wasn’t prepared to sign up for the regular donation the salesman was asking for on the proviso that I might win a million-dollar mansion. You see, he was selling me on winning the house. He wasn’t much interested in the photo of the sick child.
When we focus on the hope that is in Christ, our joy wells up, and we can give thanks.
I thanked him as I walked away. Thank you, I said. I was confronted by the contrast between the materialism of the house and the sick baby. I prayed for the child as I put my groceries in the boot of the car.
There was hope because the child was receiving the best medical care. In that moment I focused on the hope that is in Christ. My joy welled up, and I gave thanks, even as I prayed. I realised that I could say thank you to God, because He is at work for good in and through all things. For that I am grateful.
Listen to this episode in the player above.
Gratitude is a six-week series inviting listeners to create a habit of gratitude in their lives. Subscribe to the YouVersion plan.
Subscribe to listen to this series and others on Real Hope | The Podcast.
Feature image: Photo by CanvaPro
Episode supplied with thanks to Chris Parfoot.
Originally published as ‘He Works for Good’ in Real Hope, Jan-Feb 2024.