Give Thanks!
When we are distraught, it’s easy to get in a downcast mood. It’s easy to complain, and to have a private pity party with ourselves. Sometimes, that pity party seeks guests, and we find ourselves inviting others to join our pity party. We mope around and focus on all the bad things in life. We dwell on the negatives and become hopeless. I think of those cartoon characters with the dark cloud hanging over their heads, that follow them wherever they go; this is a miserable state to be in. I understand that we all need to vent, and I truly believe in talk therapy. Whenever I have an issues, I always talk to a trusted friend or sister in Christ. However, I’d like to ask. How often are we thankful? Do we find ourselves complaining more, or finding things to be thankful for? Being thankful can often times shift our whole attitude and perspective. I’d like to challenge you to keep a personal tally, to see what you do more often.
Colossians 3:15-17 says, 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.
This scripture is so powerful. I find that I have an overall better day if I begin it in the morning listing 10 things I am grateful or thankful for. They can be big or small items; they can be anything. I try to make this a habit because I believe there is always something to be grateful, regardless of our situations or circumstances. The Bible says, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18). My list usually looks something like this:
Food/Water
My house
My children
My job
Forgiveness
Friends
Sunshine
Protection
Health
Jesus
So what are you thankful for? You can find something to be thankful for in any situation. If we aren’t thankful, we risk becoming self-centered and ungrateful. Romans 1:21 says for although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. How can we be thankful, and also be grumpy or complaining? It's pretty hard to do both.
I know all of my blessings are from God, and I always do my best to give Him the praise and glory for it. I believe that is why God continues to bless me. I am not proclaiming to be righteous because God blesses everyone. He loves all of us, but I do my best to point out and acknowledge God for his blessings in my life. Aren’t you more likely to continue to give your thankful child gifts versus a child that feels entitled or is ungrateful? Personally, I enjoy giving gifts to children who are thankful, not to those who expect it or feel that I'm obligated to give them things. Try starting your morning each day with a list of things you are thankful for, even if you can’t come up with 10, try to come up with a few. Let's give thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20). It is your decision to decide how you will start your day, but this is my encouragement to you. Be thankful daily; I am sure it will make a difference.
Let us Pray.
Father God,
You are amazing, and we give you praise. You continue to amaze us and You are so good! We love you and acknowledge you as the Ruler of All. You Reign! Father, we just want to thank you because we see all the wonderful things you have done for us. The fact that we are still alive today is because of your Grace. Thank you for giving us air to breathe, and another day on this earth. Thank you being with us, protecting us, teaching us, and withholding things from us until it is in Your Timing. Thank you, most of all, for Jesus Christ, and for saving us from death. Thank you for putting our sins upon Your Holy and Righteous Son; thank you for preparing a place for us and giving us eternal life. You are amazing God and we exalt you. Today, we simply just want to thank you. We thank you for everything you’ve done, all that you’re doing, and for what you will do! Let Your Will be done Father.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayerfully,
Pam
