The Sweet Aroma of Gratefulness

Scripture: But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15

The Gulf Coast is finding itself bracing for another hurricane. Here in the comfort of the high ground of Tennessee I wonder what it would be like to have the fear of an uncontrollable force closing in on my stable environment. I know every area has its own threat of dangerous weather. Out West they face fierce forest fires and flash floods. In the Midwest they have tornado season and dangerous flooding. The East coast often braces for winter weather and dangerous rains with the threat of mudslides. Yes even here our great state has been devastated many times by drought and flooding, plus tornado damage. I guess we all face unpredictable devastation. In fact, we are all just one natural disaster away from total devastation.

Our false sense of control and security comes from the fact that for the most part we live in a land of plenty. Most of us stop by the store on the way home from our jobs and pick up whatever it is our families need for dinner. We take for granted our safety and financial security. It is so easy to forget that somewhere, not too far away, there is someone whose home has been destroyed. We forget in between news broadcasts that in a not so far away country a mother can’t run to the store for fear of losing her life on the way. And yes, we even overlook the job we complain about having to go to, is one another person wished that they had.

God help us as we have been given so much for which we are ungrateful. Help us to stop this day and give thanks to you, for we know that we have been blessed above and beyond what we could ever deserve. I hope you will join me in praying for the people in the Gulf as they fear the worst and hope for the best. It is in desperate times when we draw closest to God. Without some bad in our lives we might not ever stop and speak to The One from which all good things come. Let’s be a grateful people, and support those who are less fortunate.

Leslie Stephens
Winchester, TN

Prayer: Almighty God, have mercy on us as we take so many gifts for granted. Teach us to be people with grateful hearts, always giving thanks to you, for you have done great things! Amen!

Prayer Tip: Always give thanks when you pray, there is always something for which to be thankful!


Sept 3, 2008