A painting from 1894 by Henry Ossawa Tanner depicts a grandfather and a grandson in a modest kitchen, seated before a simple meal, with their heads bowed in prayer. It is titled, “The Thankful Poor.” It is a beautiful painting, but the title begs the question… can poor people be thankful? Should they? If so, how and for what? Let’s talk about it.

Philippians 4:4-7

4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.