Small sentences... big differences

This past weekend, as I was reading in 1 Thessalonians chapter five and writing some notes in my journal, I was struck by the incredible simplicity of biblical truth, yet with an awareness of how life-changing it can be. In that last part of Paul's letter to the Thessalonians, there are some very short sentences but, if taken seriously, they can make a very big difference in our lives.

For example, there's a section that speaks about how we should relate to different kinds of people. Each sentence is only a few words long, but I couldn't help wondering what a difference it might make if I were to put them into practice, even just for one day. What would it look like if I really did encourage someone who was feeling fearful and timid? What would happen if I made a point of caring for the weak instead of judging them? What difference would it make (to me and to others) if I was honestly patient with everyone that I meet today?

A little later, there's another section made up of very short sentences, some of them only three words long. Yet it would be totally life-changing if we were to make it our goal to obey these short instructions diligently and truly make them part of our lives on a daily basis.
Always be joyful? How would it impact my life if I made a daily choice not to let life's challenges and circumstances rob me of the joy that God wants to give me?
Never stop praying? What would happen if I refused to let discouragement or seemingly unanswered prayers make me give up and stop praying for people or situations?

Be thankful in all circumstances! I know from personal experience that this one is truly life-changing. I could start this year feeling sorry for myself because I still have a cough after ten weeks of respiratory infections... or I can be thankful that I'm now feeling well enough to go out walking with the dogs again, thankful that the mild sunny weather is making those walks so pleasant, thankful for the beautiful scenery around me as we go.
I could complain because a bad fall this week (see previous post) added even more muscular pain to the arthritis stiffness that I live with anyway... or I could be thankful that no bones were broken when I fell,  thankful that I'm still able to write despite having a huge, swollen purple thumb.

One of my goals for 2019 is to start the day by speaking out at least half a dozen things that I am thankful for. I can pray those prayers of gratitude while I'm in the shower or having my coffee or going out for our walk. There are so many things I feel thankful for, and taking a moment to remember them not only makes a difference to how we experience life, it is also God's will for each one of us who belong to Jesus. That's the way I want to live my life this year.