When To Be Thankful

Sunday July 21, 2024

Gratitude

It is a wonderful practice to take time daily to be thankful for all that we have, and all that God has promised us. This principle is evident as we read the Bible.

They were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord. They were to do the same in the evening. (1 Chronicles 23:30 NIV)

Whether we feel great when we get out of bed or wish we could just turn over snuggle down and sleep for a few more hours, one of the spiritual practices that needs to be first in our day is looking around and recognizing with gratitude all that we have been given. At the end of the day many of us let tiredness get the better of us and we fail to take just a few moments to reflect on the good things that God did for us throughout the day and the ways He helped us in everything we faced. Even if we do not write these things in a journal, just taking time to bring them to mind builds joy and confidence within us that God is near.

Jesus modelled giving thanks when life was overwhelming and everyone around Him was struggling. When a huge crowd was with Him and the resources available for feeding everyone were insufficient, Jesus gave thanks. The result was an amazing miracle. What might God do if, when faced with overwhelming challenges, we take the time to name before God what we have and give Him thanks for His goodness?

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied. (Mark 6:41-42 NIV)

Most of us would not question the fact that it is good to be grateful on a regular basis but the question for each of us today is, have I taken the opportunity to bring myself to a moment of reflection which allows gratitude to rise in my heart for all that God has done and continues to do for me? This is how we find strength. This is how our faith in God's goodness grows in our hearts.

Prayer: Thank you God for being attentive to my needs in the situations I face throughout each day. Help me to practice gratitude so I can be filled with faith and live in conscious awareness of Your generous heart and Your loving presence ever with me. Amen

Video Encouragement and Prayer

When To Be Thankful

Audio for When To Be Thankful

Recent Meditations

AFFIRMED AND ACCOMPANIED BY A LOVING GOD

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

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TAKING CARE AS WE MAKE AMENDS

Giving Hope