Being Grateful!

Cultivating a thankful heart is the key to overcoming discouragement, grief, pain, or discontentment. If we develop the habit of counting our blessings then we, like Paul, can learn to be content—even joyful—in the darkest of times or most difficult of circumstances However, the psalmist in this passage reminds us that the greatest benefit of a grateful heart, and therefore the greatest motivation to a thankful spirit, is not the blessing that it brings to us but the witness it is to others. Anyone can be happy and thankful when everything is going well; but what a testimony it is when God’s people are rejoicing among the ruins of their temporal pleasures!

“Give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people”~  Psalm 105:1

When a child of God is seen searching through the wreckage of shattered dreams, lost loved ones, or debilitating pain for reasons to praise their Lord it is an unparalleled proof of the power of Christ to transform and to satisfy His people. When they publicly call upon His name, making His deeds known among the masses, the gratefulness of God’s children redounds to the glory of God’s grace.

We are nowhere as able to shine for Christ as in the darkness of our own heartache and loss. In that moment we have the greatest potential to fulfill the greatest purpose of our lives — to exalt the name of our Lord Jesus.

So, no matter what your current circumstances, give thanks to the Lord, calling on the name of Christ as your joy and sufficiency. Make known His goodness among the masses.

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Trade Anxiety for Peace!

God calls us to guard our hearts and minds carefully. (Proverbs 4:23) He also gives us amazing insight as He tells us how HE will also guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. It isn’t all up to us. Yes, we make the choice to pay attention to what we allow to settle there. We need to choose wisely and bring our thoughts and concerns to Him for His help.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God… And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Phillippians 4:6-7

 

When we do this God does the amazing and gives us a peace in our hearts that is beyond understanding! This peace itself guards our hearts and minds from dangerous stress and hasty, unwise choices. Thanksgiving is a key.  Everyday there is much to be thankful for. There is also much to keep one feeling anxious and worried. Yet God calls you to live in thanksgiving and in peace. Worry only gives way to fear and fear will displace your faith causing anxiety to grow. God tells us to let faith take the upper hand and cover over the fear that tries to slip in and rob you of peace. Let the truth of His word change your anxious heart and mind and let worry be your call to prayer.