Saturday, February 2, 2013

Giving Thanks

 
 
"...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."  (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)

No matter where we are or what we may be going through at the time, it is very important to have an attitude of thankfulness.  If you do not have it now, you can develop it with the help of the Holy Spirit and God's word.

David was one man known for thanking and praising God in the midst of his circumstances.  He wrote much of the book of Psalms.  Despite his circumstances, he still knew to look in the right direction.  That direction was toward the Lord God. 

We can also know to look to the Lord.  In the midst of our circumstances, we can develop a heart of thanksgiving.  Even if we just begin thanking God for the simple things in our lives, it is a great start.  Eventually, our eyes will become more open to the larger things in our lives that are due to God's goodness.

In Psalm 100, the author praises God for His goodness and love.  We should do the same in the midst of our circumstances.  The truth always remains the same despite our circumstances.  God is always good and loving! 

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name."  (Psalm 100:4, NIV)

Let's challenge ourselves to live above our cirumstances.  In spite of our circumstances, let's thank God!  Thank Him for His provision!  Thank Him for His blessings!  Thank Him for His favor!  Thank Him for His goodness!  Thank Him for His love!  Thank Him for His mercy!  Thank Him for His grace!

Whether we feel like it, let's say what David said in Psalm 69.  "I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving."  (Psalm 69:30, NIV)  Then, wait for our feelings to catch up.  When we continue to be obedient to God's word over time, it will be easier to praise Him and thank Him in the midst of our circumstances.  Before too long, we will be able to rise above our cirumstances. 

Finally, we will be able to always do as the Apostle Paul instructed the people in Thessalonica.  "...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)


Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

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