Archive for November 30th, 2009

A Master Key

Jason November 30th, 2009 2 Comments

master_keyIf your life seems locked so very tightly, might I recommend you try one of the great master keys– thankfulness.

Last week a friend of mine reminded me of this great insight.  A spirit of gratitude unlocks so many doors and dark places.  We all know how hard it is to remain bitter, angry, sullen, and depressed when we lead our mind into thankfulness.

So keep turning your thoughts toward thanksgiving.  Beyond the turkeys and meals, football games, national pride, and parades, be settled in your spirit about the things for which you are truly thankful.

I suppose I could stop right there, but I know how silly and empty this post might sound to someone who is truly miserable.  It’s easy to say “thankfulness is my master key” when life is on an upswing.  It’s another matter when your health is at risk, your family life is a constant battle, and you have been treated unfairly (perhaps even unjustly).

Have you ever been the innocent party who is simply exhausted by the tumbles of life?  Maybe there was an unexpected and tragic death in your family.  Or a marriage that fell apart.  Or a relationship with a child.  The list could go on and on.

Does this master key work  when life is full of challenges?

I think it does, and it is when life doesn’t seem to make sense that we find out about our faith.  Do we believe in the goodness of God and that He is our hope and strength?  Do we believe that we can be thankful even when joy has been stripped out of our hands?  What are we to do when our soul has been wounded and we know a scar is forming?

The scriptures are clear:

  • No matter what happens, always be thankful (1 Thess. 5:18)
  • Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Col. 3:15)
  • Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his . . . Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name (Psalm 100:3-4).

Don’t underestimate the master key and the grace of God.  Let his goodness chart Your steps today.

Posted in: Inward, Spiritual Barriers