Be Calm. Be Strong. Be Thankful! - Thanksgiving Thoughts by Gail Rodgers

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

Her warm, cheerful country kitchen was a lovely place to sit with a coffee and talk about life.

The wooden plaque on the wall spoke volumes.

“Be calm. Be strong. Be thankful.”

Jill made the words come alive as she shared some of the hardship and deep grief her family had endured. In the midst of the moments, as she walked, this focus held her gaze and gave her an uncommon steadiness. Yet it was not rooted in her own ability to be strong. It was much deeper. The words on her plaque helped her shift her focus to let the peace of Christ rule in her heart.

I learned much from my friend.

We all face times with we feel anxious, weak, frightened or confused. Life has a way of throwing unexpected curve balls. Reactions can overtake us. These words, “Be calm. Be strong. Be thankful!” have a way of pointing us in the direction of choosing our responses rather than being swept away. The way we choose to respond will characterize our lives. We can move toward Jesus and His peace, or we can continue in turmoil in the midst of the unexpected.

I often think of Jill’s wooden plaque, and the wisdom those words bring. When uncertainty creeps into the day through the news, a phone call or some unexpected circumstance, let’s be challenged to let these words shift our gaze to Jesus, and choose to let His peace encompass us. As we do, His calm and His strength will fill us. He will give the courage to seek thankfulness, even when its hard to find.

“Be calm. Be strong. Be thankful!” Let these words help shift your gaze to Jesus when uncertainty threatens to overthrow you. He is calm and strong and you can lean into that! He is faithful!!

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

Lord Jesus, You are my Peace. When uncertainty plunges unexpectedly into my day today please remind me, by Your Spirit, to “Be calm. Be strong. Be thankful.” I choose today to LET the peace of Christ rule in my heart and to search for Your treasures of thanksgiving. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission