Thankful [day 1]
[Thankful Through It All]
Life is full of highs and lows. Most of the time, these highs and lows may be subtle, but other times they may be extreme. Within one month, I experienced losing my dad to a heart attack and then the birth of my second son. I experienced the deepest sorrow I have ever felt, shortly followed by the most incredible joy. Both extremes that came with many emotions were crammed together. Navigating the feelings and emotions during this time of my life was weird to say the least. Being thankful in the midst of it was not at the top of my priority list. However, through my experiences, I have learned that being thankful is not dependent on what I am going through. I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit has led me to a place where I can be grateful through all of life’s highs and lows, no matter how joyful or painful they may be.
You may have similar experiences. If you haven't already, you probably will at some point in your life. Yet what we have to remember is that we cannot let our circumstances and the emotions that accompany them, dictate how we act or think. Being thankful should not be a reaction to life. Rather, it should be a regular act in response to who God is. We should live a life of thankfulness no matter the circumstance. Please do not hear me say that you won't be extra thankful when something joyful happens or that it won’t be difficult to be thankful during hard times, but if we are constantly worshiping and seeking the Lord, it is much easier to live a life of thanksgiving no matter what the Lord brings our way.
In the song “Thankful”, we sing about being thankful for the normal things of life; the little things. We also sing our gratitude for Jesus dying on the cross, giving us the greatest gift of salvation that we do not have to earn. No matter what's going on in your life right now you can start here, with thanksgiving. Thank the Lord for the normal, everyday things. If you're reading this, then thank Him for just giving you another day! Then, spend some time thanking God for His Son, Jesus, and His sacrifice for you. God loves you and he has offered you salvation. We've got a lot to be thankful for.
Scripture Reading:
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks toGod the Father through him.
Psalm 116:5
Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Prayer Guide:
Spend some time thanking God for the normal, everyday things of life. There's a lot we take for granted. Write down a list and thank the Lord for these things! Ask God to help you live a life of thankfulness. Ask God to help see through your circumstances and be grateful always.
