Thanksgiving is quickly approaching.
As the leaves begin to change, the days become shorter, and there is a slight chill in the air, we find that the autumn season has swiftly arrived.
Thanksgiving, of course, is a time we have set aside as a Nation, and it is a day we truly count our blessings. So why do we stop there? What causes the shift from thankful hearts to road- and aisle-raged Christmas shoppers until the following Thanksgiving?
We forget.
We forget that God has given us our bountiful blessings, every single day.
It almost seems that starting from Black Friday until the following year’s fourth Thursday in November, we become fretful concerning gift lists, soccer games, Easter dinners, work schedules, and the list goes on.
However, if we reflect and make a mental 180°, we will see that there is no reason to become discouraged.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” Psalm 107:15
No, “requests” does not mean making a ‘wish list’ for our Heavenly Father, but it does mean talking to Him about the issues we face, because He does not want us to stress the worldly mess.
Think about it this way:
- If we are shopping for gifts then we are financially blessed
- If we are heading out for a sports game that are children are part of then we have blessings of health
- If we are working crazy schedules then we are blessed with employment.
The goal is to put a positive spin on those negative thoughts that weigh us down. We must practice (notice it’s a verb) daily having an “attitude of gratitude.”
This turns our hearts into a heart of worship.
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you…” Colossians 3:15-16
(replace the … with daily your tasks. Paul specifically states teaching and singing),
but in whatever we do, we are to:
“…perform these duties gratitude in your hearts to God” Colossians 3:15-16 (paraphrased)
It’s hard to remain ungrateful when we start counting our blessings. (Tweet This)
If need be, write a list, use sticky notes throughout your house, write them on your white boards at work, or put it in your daily calendar reminders.
Bathe in your blessings.
When we start to stress, be anxious, feel overwhelmed, or even become infuriated, remember that God’s ‘got this.’ He always has. He always will. ♥
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