On Being Thankful…and a freebie
During this Thanksgiving time of year, it isn’t uncommon to hear someone express how little they have to be thankful for. But it is through being thankful in all of our circumstances that we grow. Because, really, the quality of our lives boils down to how we see things. The battle starts in the mind.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
We learn to be content in every circumstance, realizing from whence comes our strength (Philippians 4:11-13), that we are right where He would have us be, and that He is using everything for good (Romans 8:28). The solution to our troubles is to be thankful; to get outside of ourselves and see God’s hand and be thankful for every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). In fact, we are commanded to be thankful:
Rejoice always,
pray without ceasing,
in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
So we are thankful for…
- the silver lining behind every cloud
- trials that continue to grow us
- each and every person in our lives, near and far, that contributes to who we are and provides us with opportunities to be who God would have us be
- the resilience of children that allows them to move and bend instead of break with our mistakes
- and the bedrock that comes from a faith founded on God “with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”
If you would like to join us in becoming more aware of God’s hand and being thankful for every good and perfect gift, you might enjoy this free downloadable booklet from Ann V. 7 Gifts provides 7 spaces, 7 days of the week, where we can record those things for which we are thankful. This video explains how to fold the booklet.
Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember
The Way That Seems Right to Man
The Prayers of the Righteous
Answering the Critics