Gratitude

 

     Today we take our upside down, last is first, less is more, honor in humility, sacrifice in praise, worth in weakness, believer’s world into the topic of gratitude. Have you read, Footprints in the Sand? Looking back I recognize those times when Jesus carried me even without me recognizing His presence.  I am still learning, but even during troubled times, I thank Him. When there are no answers, I thank Him for working. When things look hopeless, I know He will bring hope.

     My emotions and my need for control try to take over. I want to make it better, fix the problem, lash out at someone or something. The learning will never end until we arrive in heaven. Thank Him when the world is closing in. Believe in His timing when your patience is wearing thin. Thank Him when the circumstances seem impossible to meet. Practice gratitude. God’s grace is enough to get through the day, the hour, minute-by-minute.

     Can we learn to stop in the midst of the day to thank God for our ordinary tasks and duties as we perform them one more time? Can we take a moment away from the seemingly endless urgent details to savor our most valuable God? Can we thank Him for working when we don’t see His hand?

     I thank God for each one of you today, no matter where you are in your journey with Jesus. He hears you. He will carry you. Give Him all of your cares with deep thanksgiving.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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, Philippians 4:6-7

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Dear Jesus,

We find gratitude in our hearts today for Your love, for Your mighty hand at work, for Your grace and mercy, for our loved ones and our homes, for our food and for our very lives. Thank you for the breath of life today, and we thank You for what You will do tomorrow. We wait in expectation and hope.

Amen

Enjoy the weekend.  See you back here on Monday.