Unpack This...Living With ThanksgivingSample

Feeling Numb As sports fans, watching games conjures up strong emotions and powerful responses. When cheering for our favorite teams, we jump out of our seats after touchdowns and give high-fives during exciting plays. We love sports and willingly display our enthusiasm. However, sometimes we become numb to what’s taking place. If our team scores multiple touchdowns and is up by 20, we don’t cheer as loudly or sit on the edge of our seats for every play. Also, after watching so many games over the years and having seen countless impressive plays, it may take a lot to move us out of our seats. This type of attitude can infiltrate other areas of our lives, as well. We can start taking things for granted, feeling numb, and lacking real joy and thankfulness. When we simply go through the motions, we have to pause and adjust our perspective. As followers of Jesus, our response to God’s goodness and faithfulness should always be worshipful and thankful. Psalm 29:2 proclaims, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.” When we feel disengaged or numb, we must connect to the source of our joy and passion as Jesus describes in John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” When experiencing the fullness of life in Christ, we find joy in bringing glory to God. By worshiping and praising Him, we’re filled with thankfulness because of who He is and what He’s done. Hebrews 12:28 says, “Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe.” Today, let’s continue to get out of our seats, turn our eyes toward God in amazement, and declare Psalm 118:28-29: “You are my God, and I will give thanks to You; You are my God; I will extol You. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!” I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for lacking passion and joy, and give me a desire to have a perspective of worship and thankfulness. You’re always so faithful and worthy of my praise. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.