A STATE OF GRATITUDE
Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – November 2019, Pastor Lloyd Pulley
Wrapped in army fatigues, with gun secure in one arm; he begins his trek through the mountainous country of South Sudan. Often orphaned at a young age due to violence from tribal attacks from the north, a young man will often join the army at the tender age of 14 to protect his people from being raped, kidnapped or murdered. Although it sounds like something straight out of the movies, it is a reality for many in South Sudan today. Last month, I met a number of men with this experience who are now chaplains in the military in South Sudan.
Once hardened warriors, they now beam with joy and a heart for Jesus and a courage to risk it all for their people. Though surrounded by war and poverty and up against relentless and ruthless attacks, these men are a model of both military expertise and self-sacrifice on behalf of the many vulnerable women and children in this war torn part of the world.
I was surprised at the joy and gratitude they expressed with their constant outbreak of singing and dancing with resounding hallelujahs. They don’t have many material possessions, but we would do well if we could import the enthusiasm and gratitude emanating from their relationship with God. With Thanksgiving this month, I couldn’t help but compare their poverty of material things; while flowing with wealth of spirit and our material prosperity but poverty of spirit.
We have computers in our pockets, cars that drive themselves and all manner of gadgets unthinkable a few decades ago; now accessible and delivered right to our door at the click of a button! Yet depression, anxiety and drug abuse are at an all-time high.
I recently heard a statistic from a police officer who said that 25 years ago his department would receive 1-2 calls a year reporting a mental health crisis of a suicidal nature, now his department receives upwards of 2 such calls a day. If we have so much, why are we so miserable? Could it be because we spend too much time thinking about ourselves instead of thinking about others?
It reminds of the old song "(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction." We see this play out every day in the media. Stories of celebrities who get everything they want: become rich, famous and seem on top of the world – but end up severely depressed and empty; turning to drugs and alcohol to fill the emptiness of a life spent on self.
C.S. Lewis once stated "Gratitude exclaims, very properly, ‘How good of God to give me this.’" In Africa the chaplains I met had an infectious joy and thankfulness for the little things and regularly broke into songs of praise for all God had given them. They have so little but instead of being concerned about themselves they were more concerned for us here in the United States. They marvel at the godlessness permeating our culture and wonder how being so blessed we have drifted so far from God. Where is the gratitude for all of the blessings we have? Seems the most indulged people are often the least thankful.
I thank Far Reaching Ministries for their work in South Sudan and for giving me an amazing lesson in what really matters. Oh what we can learn from the spiritual life of these chaplains of how to trust the Lord! My prayer for this holiday season is that we become more aware of the poverty of spirit in our midst and be stirred to a true desire to reconnect with our creator and call upon the name of the Lord. This is our only true hope!
How thankful I am that God rescued me years ago from a life pursuing vanity fair; when I discovered eternal life though his only Son, Jesus. Through man’s wisdom we may learn how to make a better living but will quickly lose the art of living a better life. This Thanksgiving consider the many blessings in your life but don’t forget what the best blessings are! Love, Joy and Peace… are priceless!