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 thanksgiving; meanwhile 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 thanksgiving; for 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)