Living In Gratitude Having All I Need

Every day God gives us the opportunity to have a good day, regardless of what is happening around us.  We need to acknowledge that no one's life is perfect and yet each person’s life is filled with many blessings.  Instead of living with negative feelings and attitudes about what we lack, we can commit ourselves to God’s care and practice thankfulness by asking:  Do I appreciate what I do have?  What has God promised me? What personal experience gives me joy as I reflect on it? What attitude of mind do I want to live in?

Some of the most famous words in the Bible describe the life we've been promised when we live in God’s presence:  The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.  He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff – they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. (Psalm 23 NRSV)

God promises us life in all its fullness.  We block God’s provision by following our own ways and compulsions.  Our perceived need for pleasure, status, control, recognition, possessions, power, etc. get in the way of our acknowledgment and appreciation of God’s generous gifts which are all around us.  God wants us to live in the light of His abundant provision.  When we do that, new possibilities open up for us and we begin to experience contentment and appreciation for all we are and have been given. 

Living in gratitude for God's daily gifts frees us from being anxious about our needs and circumstances.  It changes us without destroying our effectiveness to be responsible.  Recognizing our God given gifts clears our vision so we see our talents and resources as a means to help people.  We become more sensitive to events and things around us and are prompted to give generously as we seek to support and assist.  As we are guided and directed by God the contentment and appreciation alive in our own being makes us gentler and less frantic, and more willing to listen to the concerns of those around us.

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.  (2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT)

God promises us everything we need to make it through each day.  What has God given us?  How have we walked in our own ways and perhaps missed out on what God had for us?  Today, are we willing to seek God, and acknowledge and give thanks for all the blessings he has poured into our lives?  

©2015 Partners in Hope