"Thanks Giving"
EPISODE 64
Offer Your Thankfulness to God
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Have you ever kept a "gratitude journal"? For years now, I've written down one thing I was thankful for every day in November. Often they're small acts of kindness from a friend or stranger that help me maintain a positive outlook. And while it has been a helpful practice, I'm reminded that God wants his people to be thankful at all times, not just around this time of year.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thess. 5:12).
While gratitude is something we should show toward each other, the ultimate recipient of our thankfulness is God. So, how does a heart of gratefulness help us in our daily lives?
Hones Humility
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him" (Psalm 28:7).
God is the source of all our blessings. He's where we find real strength, security, and support. Keeping that in mind, there's no room in our hearts for feelings of self-sufficiency or pridefulness. We're not in control. We're not the main focus. So, take your eyes off yourself and put your focus back on the Lord in whom you depend.
Attacks Anxiety
"... do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Phil. 4:6).
Worry, worry, worry! We so quickly spiral out of control, thinking about the cares of life. It eats us up and shuts us down. But our God is near to us and ready to help (Isa. 59:1). He loves us and wants us to cast our cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7), rather than being burdened by what we can't control. So, experience his peace by thankfully approaching him in prayer.
Counteracts Complaining
"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" (Col. 3:17).
There's no room for grumbling when we have a heart full of gratitude. But some people love to complain. Like the children of Israel on their way to Canaan, sometimes we see only the challenges of life instead of the blessings. But God is still leading us, feeding us, and bringing us to an eternal home where righteousness dwells. So let's be thankful, rather than moaning about our "momentary light afflictions" here on earth (2 Cor. 4:17).
What an amazing God we serve, deserving of all our praise! At all times, let's shout along with David, "I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving" (Psalm 69:30).
