A cool breeze in the midst of a sweltering day
A moment of complete quite in the midst of chaos
Watching your favorite movie for the 20th time
The taste of a warm chocolate chip cookie
The warmth of a scarf covering your ears in blustery weather
The sound of your child’s laughter
The scent of your favorite perfume
Brunch with friends
Watching the movement of a hummingbird wings in the spring
Dinner with a loved one
The trust of a pet who curls up beside you
We are taught to give thanks for the large things in life – awakening each morning, a roof over our heads, food on the table, our health, and so much more. Yes, these are things for which we give thanks each day; but what about the tiny ways that Yahweh brings us joy – through our senses, our relationships, the circumstances in our lives that bring a smile to our face or laughter to our heart? Purposefully seeking out and recognizing each joy in life helps us to focus on our Creator and His love for us.
Each acknowledgement of Yahweh’s gifts strengthens our relationship with Him and increases our faith in who He is and how much He cares. Our words are enormously powerful; and our words of gratitude are a way of providing worship to God.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalms 107:1
Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalms 106:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. Psalm 28:7
‘ Oh give thanks to the Lord ; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! ‘ Psalm 105:1-2
What about those times when we feel we have nothing to give thanks for?
Gratitude is not an act of circumstance, but an act of obedience. Gratitude comes with promise and protection – a directive from Yahweh that strengthens our faith and relationship with Him. In the midst of any circumstance, we are called to give thanks. Listen as…
Yahweh Whispers…
‘give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Rejoice always, pray continually, ‘ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, Hebrews 12:28 (NIV)
Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples! 1 Chronicles 16:8
‘Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.’ Colossians 4:2
Look for reasons to offer the praise of thankfulness every day.
Slow down.
Don’t just respond to life.
Experience life as a gift from our Creator and Lord – Yahweh.
The attitude of gratitude is reciprocal and brings healing and joy even when circumstances do not change.
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Our prayer for you…
Heavenly Father, thank you the gift of your grace. Thank You for being You, the God of Love and Mercy. Give me a grateful heart, a heart that praises you regardless of circumstances. You are God alone, every day, every hour, every minute and always worthy of my prayer and gratitude. Thank you for being who You are. Thank you for creating me. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ.
