Renewed Gratitude
Listening to Pastor Drew Shofner’s sermon, “Restoring the Art of Giving Thanks and Gratitude,” at the Church at Severn Run was an invitation to realign my heart with God’s will in the midst of this vibrant fall season. The message, underscored by the crisp autumn imagery and rooted in Scripture, was both convicting and uplifting. It served as a timely call to embrace gratitude not merely as a fleeting feeling but as a lifestyle that profoundly shapes our outlook and deepens our walk with Christ.
The Biblical Mandate for Gratitude
Pastor Drew’s focus on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 was central to the sermon. The verses, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” provide a straightforward yet challenging directive. It’s easy to gloss over these instructions when life is comfortable, but Pastor Drew emphasized that giving thanks in all circumstances is essential to a faithful life in Christ. He reminded us that gratitude is more than a reaction to good things; it’s a deliberate choice to acknowledge God’s sovereignty, even when things are not going our way.
Autumn as a Metaphor for “Letting Go”
The metaphor of autumn leaves was particularly striking. As the leaves turn shades of amber, crimson, and gold before gracefully drifting to the ground, we are reminded of the beauty in releasing what no longer serves us. Just as trees must shed their leaves to make room for new growth, Pastor Drew urged us to let go of our grievances and worries. This shedding of old, ungrateful thoughts prepares our hearts for the renewal that God has planned. It felt like a spiritual cleansing, akin to the brisk fall air that refreshes and invigorates.
I found this imagery powerful because it mirrors the process of letting go of bitterness or fear. The fallen leaves serve as a reminder that, through gratitude, we prepare ourselves for new spiritual growth—much like the bare trees anticipating the life of spring.
The Power of Perspective: Flipping the Switch
Pastor Drew compared choosing gratitude to turning on a light in a dark room. Without the light, we stumble and fall over unseen obstacles. When we focus on our problems rather than God’s goodness, our inner world becomes as dark and chaotic as an unlit room. However, gratitude acts like a switch that illuminates our hearts, allowing us to see God’s hand in every situation. It’s a simple, yet profound choice that has the power to transform our outlook from one of scarcity to one of abundance.
The imagery of a dark, cluttered room resonated deeply with me. Just as flipping a switch dispels darkness, choosing to give thanks can lift the fog of negativity that so easily clouds our minds. It made me realize how often I stumble through life, focusing on what I lack rather than rejoicing in what I have been given.
Practical Applications: The 21-Day Gratitude Journey
To help us develop a habit of thankfulness, Pastor Drew introduced a practical tool—a 21-day gratitude journey. He encouraged everyone to take part in daily Bible readings and devotions centered on gratitude. He explained that this intentional practice is like preparing the soil for a new planting season. By focusing on what we are thankful for each day, we cultivate a heart that is ready to receive God’s blessings, much like a field that has been tilled and fertilized for spring growth.
I found this call to a daily practice of gratitude both challenging and necessary. It is easy to fall into patterns of complaining, but intentionally noting our blessings shifts our focus. This exercise, Pastor Drew assured, is not about ignoring pain but about acknowledging God’s faithfulness in every season.
Communal Gratitude: Spreading the Warmth
Pastor Drew emphasized that gratitude is not a solitary practice; it’s something we share with others. He likened it to the warmth of a bonfire on a chilly autumn night. As we express thankfulness and kindness, especially towards those who may frustrate us, we spread the warmth of God’s love to everyone around us. Just as a bonfire invites people to gather, our expressions of gratitude can draw others toward the light of Christ.
This image of a fall bonfire was a reminder of how our actions can ignite hope and joy in our communities. As I reflected on this, I realized that just a few words of thanks or a small act of kindness can have a ripple effect, bringing light and warmth to even the coldest, darkest parts of someone’s day.
Restoring Our Original Joy in Christ
Pastor Drew took us back to the Garden of Eden, explaining that the Hebrew word for Eden means “delight.” God designed us to live in a state of joy and contentment with Him. However, sin and disobedience led us away from this original delight. The modern state of discontentment, fueled by materialism and comparison, often overshadows the simple practice of gratitude. Pastor Drew’s call to return to a heart of thankfulness felt like an invitation to rediscover the joy God intended for us from the beginning.
A New Season of Growth
The message ended with a challenge: to choose joy and gratitude as a daily act of worship. We can’t control our circumstances, but we can choose our response. Just as trees shed their leaves in preparation for new growth, we are invited to shed our complaints and choose gratitude, preparing our hearts for the new things God is doing in our lives. Pastor Drew’s words lingered with me as I left the church, feeling as though the weight of old grievances had been lifted. I felt ready for a new season of spiritual growth, inspired by the changing landscape around me.
In conclusion, Pastor Drew’s sermon was a powerful reminder that gratitude is not just a seasonal sentiment but a life-giving discipline. It is the golden leaf that falls gently, making room for new buds to form in spring. This fall, as I see the trees release their leaves, I am reminded to release my worries and focus on the many blessings God has given me. Following the guidance of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, I am committed to rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances. It is a path that leads not only to personal joy but to a brighter, warmer community of faith.
JG