by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Do you mind if I camp on a verse for a couple of days? First Thessalonians 5:18 demands our attention.

Do you ever feel as though the "little" circumstances of life are about to overwhelm you?

It is said we are worn down less by the mountains we climb than by the grain of sand in our shoes. I agree.

Would you like to know what pebbles seem to frequent my sneakers?

People who try to make me feel guilty;

My unbalanced checkbook;

My garage (It continually proves the second law of thermodynamics-the universe is moving from order to disorder.);

The incessant ringing of the telephone;

Sibling rivalry;

A drippy faucet, a smoking fireplace, a leaky pipe in the ceiling;

Car problems that always occur at the most inopportune times;

A whining child;

Things that aren't where I left them, or forgetting where I left them;

More sibling rivalry;

An unresolved conflict with a family member;

Tripping over all the stuff that six children can drag out!

Little things get to us-frequently.

Honestly, big problems are difficult, and there are more serious problems that do confound us, but today, right now, this is where I live-in the midst of the little things.

It's called reality. It reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw on a pickup truck some time ago: Reality is for those who can't cope with drugs. I really do understand why we have a culture of "cop-outs."

Is God involved in the details of life? Could God possibly want to teach us something in a flat tire? Does He really want to invade every moment of our days, or would He prefer to reserve the 9:30 until 12:00 time slot on Sunday mornings?

Give thanks-in everything.

Prayer:

Why not bow in prayer right now and by faith give thanks in everything?

Discuss: What little circumstances often cause frustration for you?

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