In Ephesians 5, Paul gives us a picture of what it looks like to be Spirit-filled:
"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ." (Ephesians 5:18-21)
Honestly ask yourself, does that describe you? Are you so full of thanksgiving that you can't help but sing and make melody to God in your heart? The kind of joy and overflow Paul is talking about here is not a matter of hype, personality or forced cheerfulness. It's a supernatural change that can only take place by the Spirit.
It's no secret that as humans, we are prone to grumbling. Think about the Israelites in the wilderness. God delivers them out of slavery and oppression, defeats their enemies, parts the sea, and feeds them with bread from heaven. And yet, over and over again, they find reasons to grumble against God and Moses. They're constantly fixated on what they lack, not what they've been given. Sound familiar? There are few things as frustrating as going out of your way to help or bless someone, only for them to find something to complain about. We've all experienced it, and we've all done it to someone else, because that is the human condition.
Psychologists call it "negativity bias." We are naturally more likely to remember and dwell on negative thoughts and experiences than positive ones. But the good news is that as believers, we are no longer slaves to our flesh! We are free to take our minds off of the things of the flesh and fix our minds on the things of the Spirit. Thanks be to God!
"For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." (Romans 8:6)
Jesus purchased this freedom for us with his blood. Now it is our responsibility and privilege to walk in it. And this isn't always easy, because we have a real enemy who is out to steal, kill, and destroy our joy. Satan will do everything he can to lure you into negativity and keep you focused on the things that are going wrong in your life. This is why over and over again the Scripture exhorts us to praise and thanksgiving:
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." (Philippians 4:4)
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:15-17)
No matter what is going on in life, we have so many things to be thankful for. If you're ever struggling to give thanks, read Ephesians 1 a few times! We have been chosen, loved, forgiven, redeemed, made holy, and blessed with an eternal inheritance. The more we dwell on these wonderful, sacred truths, the less room there will be for the flesh and the enemy to speak. And the more we will overflow with the supernatural joy and peace that marks Spirit-filled believers.
As you finish this article, take some time to meditate on the goodness of God. Let His promises wash over you until your heart is full of praise.
