¹⁷ Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
 
Reflex – something that you do automatically and without thinking, as a habit or as a reaction to something.
 
Why do we yawn?  According to a NY Times article, “Until about 30 years ago, scientists explained yawning as a way for the body to take in a large amount of air in order to increase oxygen levels in the blood in response to oxygen deprivation.”  Studies in 1987 disproved that hypothesis, but we still don’t really know.  There are rabbit trails to be had here, my friends.  Feel free to explore the possibilities of why we yawn.
 
How about contagious yawning?  You see someone yawn in a public place and you do the same.  Pretty soon everyone seems to be yawning, one after another.  This is from Medical News Today, “One of the most common theories is that contagious yawning is a sign of empathy for others. Seeing a person yawn may cause the viewer to yawn, especially if they are close to or comfortable with that person.”
 
Empathy.  Compassion.  Kindness is contagious.  So is anger, sometimes.
 
What happens when things aren’t going your way?  One thing after another and you’re praying for something, anything to change.  All you need is a win.  What’s your reflex – the thing you do automatically and without thinking?  What’s mine?  I hate to say it, but it’s probably not empathy or peace for me.
 
How does that change?  Thessalonica was a prominent city in Macedonia.  Paul and Silas went there to preach and after three weeks, Thessalonian Jews formed a mob to run them out of town.  There were a few that believed – and that started the church.  The mob followed them to Berea and tried to stir up trouble there.  That must have been hard for Paul.  He wanted to stay longer to minister.  His final instructions in his first letter are a handbook of living in hostility, extending compassion, and relying on God.
 
Our reflex may be automatic, but I believe we can change it.  How do we do that?  Let me sum up Paul’s final thoughts in that letter.
 
Rejoice always.  Pray without ceasing.  Give thanks.  REPEAT
 
We can make a change.  The road may be difficult, but we do not walk alone.  A dear friend of mine struggles with anger (so do I).  He’s different now.  It’s because of Jesus.  Be honest with yourself… how’s your headspace?  How’s your heart?  What’s your reflex?  Eyes on Jesus.  Rejoice, pray, give thanks.  REPEAT
 
May we be aware of His Presence.
Soli Deo Gloria!
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