How is your heart? Most of you will agree that the world today is chaotic and unpredictable. Our minds and hearts can become so consumed with the things of the world and what we may be going through that our gratitude becomes suppressed. We start to take for granted what we do have and we grumble and complain about what we don’t have. Before we realize it, we have developed an ungrateful heart. This is the week of Thanksgiving, where everyone is focused on being thankful and grateful. It is the perfect time to repair our hearts and remind ourselves of what the Lord tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name” (Psalm 100:4)
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)
Choosing to rejoice in the midst of stressful circumstances is not a normal reaction in our world. But as Christians it should be our first response because we know the One who reigns over all the earth. Every day regardless of what is going on, we must be grateful to the One who makes our day possible. When we tap into the wisdom of the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, we do not have to allow our circumstance to hold us captive. We can have a heart of gratefulness and rejoice even in difficult times because we know God is in control and working things out for our good. We may not always understand why, but we can trust that God has a purpose and a plan.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, whohave been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
“Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.” (Colossians 2:6-7)
There is always something to be thankful for. We can surely thank God for Jesus! Because of Him, we are saved from the sting of death. Because of Him, no devil in hell can separate us from our Lord! Thank God that through Christ we have power over the enemy. Have you experienced a time when there seemed to be no way out, but God came through and made a way? We can thank God for His faithfulness. We thank God for His wisdom, guidance and direction in our lives. We are so blessed to be able to consult Him, and to allow Him to direct our paths. God is life. He gives life. He wakes us each morning by breathing air into our lungs. He makes the blood course through our veins. I know it may be difficult to maintain an attitude of gratitude when life is hard, and things seem to be falling apart. Trust and believe God has not forgotten about you. He’s always working on our behalf even if we can’t see it. Thank God for His divine plan. Thank Him for His perfect timing. What a privilege we have to carry everything in prayer to our God, our hopes, dreams, worries, fears, burdens, petitions, and heartaches.
“He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelations 21:3-4)
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” (Psalm 32:8)
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you.
‘Rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,” (Romans 12:12)
“I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me.” (Philippians 4:13)
Even on our worst days, there is always something to be grateful for. Some days may seem hopeless and it may look like the enemy is winning. But for those of us who have read the ending in the Book of Truth, we know that we have the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Our hearts should overflow with gratefulness for all God has done, what He is doing, and for the gift of eternal life He has given us. A grateful heart brings peace and contentment. Love and Blessing…
“To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee forever.” (Psalm 30:12)
EMMANUEL 