3. What are some reasons you should "make friends" with your problems?
4. Would you say you typically react to problems with trust, defiance, or some other attitude? Think about how you are responding to a current problem in your life. Why are you leaning toward that particular reaction?
Thank Me for your problems. As soon as your mind gets snagged on a difficulty, bring it to Me with thanksgiving. Then ask Me to show you My way to handle the situation.
The very act of thanking Me releases your mind from its negative focus. As you turn your attention to Me, the problem fades in significance and loses its power to trip you up. Together we can deal with the situation, either facing it head- on or putting it aside for later consideration.
Most of the situations that entangle your mind are not today's concerns; you have borrowed them from tomorrow. In this case, I lift the problem out of today and deposit it in the future, where it is veiled from your eyes. In its place I give you My Peace, which flows freely from My Presence.
~ From Jesus Calling, May 11
5. What role can consistent thanksgiving play in the process of dealing with a problem?
6. Think of some of the problems that have been on your mind lately. Would you say these are problems for today or for tomorrow? What should you do if any of them are "borrowed... from tomorrow"?
Read aloud the following passages from James 1 and Philippians 4. Note that the word "perseverance" in James 1:4 refers to the ability to hold up under the stress of your difficult circumstances with a right spiritual posture. The term "gentleness" in Philippians 4:5 refers to the habit of withholding retaliation against those who insult or harm you.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials
of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith
produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you
may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. — James 1:2–4
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your
gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious
about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:4–7
7. According to James, why especially should the people of God rejoice when facing trials? How easy or hard is that for you to do?
8. Notice in Philippians 4:4–7 what Paul told us to do in response to trials. Why is this such an important response?
9. What is the connection between thanksgiving and peace? What would your response consist of if you left out the rejoicing and the thanksgiving?
10. Think of the last time you practiced being thankful in your circumstances. What impact did it have on you?
11. Reread Philippians 4:4–7. Then take two minutes of silence, looking for a sentence, phrase, or even one word that stands out as an adjustment that Jesus may want you to make regarding your "thankfulness posture."
12. What ideas do you have for improving your spiritual posture before the next trial comes your way? (Make acting on these ideas a daily priority!)
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