When I Don’t Feel Like It

Conservative columnist, Cal Thomas, just released his Thanksgiving column entitled, “Giving Thanks When I Don’t Feel Like It.”

The column reminds us that Abraham Lincoln issued his Proclamation of Thanksgiving in 1863. It was in the midst of the Civil War. Our nation was divided between North and South. Families were fractured. Even some churches were torn apart with different opinions.

Thomas suggested what may have seemed like an odd time to observe Thanksgiving. However, Lincoln was asking Americans to stop and think about their blessings. To “look upward.” And “to thank God.”

The country might not have been feeling thankful, but our 16th President thought it was needful to develop the attitude of gratitude regardless of the circumstances.

While not engaged in the same kind of civil war today, there’s a lot of fighting in our country. Politicians in Washington can’t get along. There’s name calling. Insults. Dissension. And Derision. All three branches of government are under attack. In fact, anyone connected with government is not really trusted.

Furthermore one Gallup poll found that 18% of Americans say they are depressed or being treated for depression. While this may involve a physical, chemical imbalance, no doubt in many cases it’s triggered by external, negative events.

Cal Thomas, offers this observation, “If Lincoln was able to look above temporal circumstances for the blessings he said came from the “ever-watchful providence of Almighty God,” shouldn’t we?”

Thomas’ column reminds me that the often repeated refrain “I don’t feel like it,” is used to excuse all types of spiritual neglect. Everything from missing church services to skipping our Bible reading to failing is pray is justified by saying, “I just didn’t feel like it.”

Many Christians neglect the fellowship of other Christians because they don’t feel like it. Or refuse to speak to someone because of hard feelings. Or they don’t participate in ministry projects because they “just aren’t feeling it.”

The spirit of “I don’t feel like it,” destroys dreams. Undermines responsibility. Impedes progress. Hampers personal growth. Curbs initiative. And stymies the Lord’s work.

When we don’t feel like doing something we know that we ought to do, remember God gave you a will to overcome how you feel. It’s called the power to choose.

• Worship is a choice.
• Discipleship is a choice.
• Fellowship is a choice.
• Ministry is a choice.
• Being friendly is a choice.
• Controlling anger is a choice.

Maybe many of these choices could be stimulated by being more thankful. The Roman philosopher Cicero is credited with saying, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” This suggests that our happiness, helpfulness, respect, responsibility, and relationship could be vastly improved when fueled by gratitude. Thankfulness to God. To our friends. To our families. To neighbors. To those who serve us.

Finally, this quote by the American psychologist and professor O. H. Mowrer could be the beginning impetus toward greater gratitude and more productive service. “It’s easier to act yourself into a better way of feeling, than to feel yourself into a better way of action.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman