Gratitude doesn’t just happen. If we want to have lives that are more thankful, peaceful, and joyful we have to take concrete steps in that direction. We have to plant before we harvest. As we draw closer to Thanksgiving, perhaps we can grow gratitude in our lives.

Theme: God desires peace in our life. But God knows our life is full of worry, stress, and conflict. Where do we even begin? Paul suggests that peace begins by simply being nice to other people. Could it really be true that in order to find peace we should make peace?

Philippians 4:4-9

Rejoice[a] in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.[b] Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, beloved,[c] whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about[d] these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.