Damariscotta Baptist Church

 

 

This Monday, as a country, we set aside a day to say “Thank you” to those who have served our country. We also take time to remember those in our family or friends who have died and are no longer here on earth with us. Many still make an annual visit to a cemetery to clean up a family members’ grave stone and maybe leave some flowers. 

My father has a Memorial Day Weekend tradition that he has been doing as long as I can remember. He goes to the Woolwich Town Hall and picks up American flags that are designated for veterans, in the abandoned gravesites around our house in North Woolwich.  He would take my brothers and I with him. When I was little, it was an adventure, I’m not sure I understood the significance. When I was a teenager, it was annoying. 

As an adult, I am wondering who will be the one to put out the flags once my father is no longer here? My father tried to get us kids to understand the meaning of decorating gravesites of those who fought in various wars. When I was younger, I couldn’t figure out what the big deal was, we were the only ones who ever visited these graves, and it was only once a year. We would take the old flag we had placed in the flag holder the year before and put a new flag in its place.  I remember leaving the new flags and walking away thinking, who is even going to see this? It wasn’t until I became an adult and realized, I have never really seen a battle or experienced the aftermath of war. My father had been in the Army and was in a regiment that went to Germany to clean up after WWII. He had a personal connection. His delivering those flags demonstrates his gratitude for the sacrifices given. 

Gratitude is an attribute which Jesus saw as important. 

In Luke 17:11-19 we read the story where Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem and he was traveling through a piece of land that was between the border of Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village a group of ten lepers called out to him, from a distance, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”  Luke writes that when he saw them, Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priests. That seems a bit odd, because lepers weren’t allowed anywhere near the temple, how could they ever get inside to show themselves to the priests. Interestingly enough, we read, “as they went.” Wow, they didn’t wait, they immediately did what Jesus said. And as they were going, they realized they were cleansed. 

One of them, we are told, when he saw that he was healed, went back, praising God in a loud voice, and threw himself down at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. Of all people, he was a Samaritan. 

If you are not aware, Samaritans and Jews did not speak to each other, especially not a Jewish teacher. Jews called Samaritans “dogs” and that was not a term of endearment. 

Jesus asked, “Weren’t there ten lepers? Where are the other nine? Is it only one foreigner that has returned to give thanks?” 

Gratitude brings glory to God. Gratitude also brings the one who has it many benefits. Research has shown that those who exhibit gratitude experience less pain than those who like to grumble and complain. Amy Morin a psychotherapist and the author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, wrote an article in Psychology Today entitled, “7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude.”

Gratitude opens the door to more relationships.

Gratitude improves physical health.

Gratitude improves psychological health.

Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression.

Grateful people sleep better.

Gratitude improves self-esteem.

Gratitude increases mental strength.

In fact, Scripture encourages us to be grateful for everything, including our trials and our difficulties. Does that mean also a pandemic? The way the Bible sees it, our joy should not be dependent upon our circumstances. If it is, we are in trouble. In case you haven’t noticed, circumstances have a way of not working the way we also hope they will. The truth is, you can always find something to be disappointed in and just as true, there is always something you can thank God for. 

Even if the entire world is falling apart, we have the rock of salvation, Jesus, holding us in the palm of his hand. Jesus is the victor! He has won the war. 

When we choose to have an attitude of gratitude, and choose to give thanks, not only are we increasing our joy, we also win the spiritual battles that occur, such as discouragement, depression and hopelessness that can often lead to paralyzing fear.  With this in mind, no wonder God call us to 

Rejoice always,  pray continually,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Before we close in prayer, take a moment and think of at least one thing you are thankful to God for, in the midst of this pandemic, and let’s thank Him for it. 

Let’s pray.