Think and Thank

Physical therapy is hard.  I always want to be further than I can go and faster than time will allow.  I want to get back to functioning like a normal human being.  And I know it takes time.  Sometimes I wonder why it is that some of the struggles I’ve had to endure have to happen to me.   But when this happens I have to do what my pastor said, think and thank.

An example popped up while I was at PT to prompt me to do the action advised by my pastor.  I’m doing my leg lift exercises to build strength in my thigh muscle and later, a lady walks in with an amputated leg.  She’s learning how to walk with a prosthetic leg from the knee cap down.  She was doing some of the balancing exercises I was doing to help her have better control of her body.  When I watched her exercise I thought, my situation could have been worse.  Then after a few minutes another man walked in.  I was admiring his prosthetic because there was a sensor that prompted the leg to bend at where the knee would have been. (It is a marvel at the technology we have made). And at the same time I thought, it could have been worse for that lady as well.  

It’s all about perspective.  Philippians kind of has that point.  Paul when speaking about anxiety says that we should pray and give thanks. He says this is where peace comes from.  So when the problems of the world begin to surround us or overwhelm us he instructs us to go to God.  He explains how we should do that.  He gives two ways: prayer and thanksgiving.  

Prayer is the part where we think.  When we pray we begin to refocus from on what the problem is onto who can solve it.  We begin to realize that whatever the size of the problem or the strength of the force against us we know that we have one who is greater and better than all.  Prayer reminds us that God has been faithful in other situations that occur and is faithful to be with us in whatever situation we are in now. 

This produces thanksgiving.  We further remind ourselves that God is infinitely good and we can find things to give praise to God even when we are not in our ideal situation.  Thanksgiving gives us a renewed perspective because we recognize the blessings of God has already (and will continue) to bestow upon us because of the great love he has for us.  There’s nothing better than basking in his love!

If you find yourself broken in a situation you’re dealing with in life or just in a sad mood then do as my pastor told me.  Think and Thank.  Pray with thanksgiving and find that peace in all situations can only come from a person, Jesus.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you Isaiah 26:3