Thursday, May 28, 2020

BEING THANKFUL & BLESSED


Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; 
for his steadfast love endures forever!
Psalm 118:1

Blessings always flow from The Spirit of Gratitude! So let us pursue a steadfast heart full of thanks. What are some of the benefits of being thankful:

    * Gratitude keeps us continually aware that the Lord is good -  "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." (Psalm 136:1)

    * It motivates us to look for His purpose in our circumstances -  "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

    * Thanksgiving helps bring our wills into submission to God -  "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

    * It reminds us of our continual dependence upon the Lord -  "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgivingmeanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ. " (Colossains 4:2-3)

    * Thankfulness is an essential ingredient for joy - You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)

    * A grateful attitude strengthens our witness to pre-believers -  "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks." (Ephesians 5:1-4)



    * Thanks focuses our attention on Him rather than our circumstances - "He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalm 107:29-31)

    * Gratitude gives us eternal perspective - We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, because You have taken Your great power and reigned."(Revelation 11:17)

    * When we're wearied by our circumstances, thanksgiving energizes us - "For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgivingfor it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer." (1 Timothy 4:4-5)

    * The Spirit of Thanksgiving with prayer and supplication squash anxiety into peace, which passes all understanding. - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:6-7)  

    * Thanksgiving is the key to unlock His presence - Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. (Psalm 100:4)

    * The Joy of the LORD is your strength in all circumstances.  “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

    * You begin the day right when you give thanks to the Lord for it - "This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)