Zinc

The element that protects. Let’s count some of the ways…

• It is used in sunscreen to protect the skin from harmful UV rays
• It is found in lozenge form to boost the immune system and protect from illness
• It is found on baby bottoms to protect from diaper rash
• It galvanizes steel with just a thin layer to protect from rust

I like that last one. What a word. Galvanize. And it’s actually a word unique to zinc. While we sometimes use it to mean “stimulate” or “excite,” the second definition according to Merriam Webster is extremely specific. Galvanize means to immerse in molten zinc to produce a coating of zinc-iron alloy. So, when we talk about galvanized steel, it just means that the steel has been coated by zinc.

The Bible doesn’t have much to say about zinc or its use to galvanize steel. But it does have much to say about another “G” word. Another “G” word that coats and protects,

Gratitude

We focus on gratitude especially around the Thanksgiving Holiday, but the practice of gratitude should happen all year long. In fact, the Bible encourages it. There are many verses that point to the importance of gratitude. The apostle Paul particularly emphasizes it often in his writings.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Colossians 2:6-7

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Colossians 3:15

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 3:17

“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 5:20

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Why such an emphasis?

I think the key can be found in Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

There is much to be anxious about in our world. But when we bring those anxieties to God and give him thanks for who He is and what He has done, He promises to give us peace. Our circumstances may not have changed, but our praises and gratitude glorify God and focus our minds and hearts on him.

When we choose to be thankful, that gratitude, like zinc, coats and galvanizes our hearts and protects us from bitterness, worry, and anxiousness. So, count those blessings. And as the hymn by Johnson Oatman Jr. says, “Name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God has done.”