WHAT IS GOD’S WILL FOR MY LIFE? - Give Thanks!
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 — “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Thanksgiving may be one of the most life-changing disciplines we can develop. We spend so much of life thinking about what we don't have that we can easily overlook what God has already given us. There is something powerful about deliberately stopping to recognize our blessings. The old hymn says, “Count your blessings, name them one by one,”and that simple practice can change our perspective.
We live in an age of constant marketing and social media where we are repeatedly shown what other people have that we don't. If we aren't careful, comparison can convince us that our lives are lacking when we are actually incredibly blessed. Scripture reminds us that God has “blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3). Gratitude shifts our attention from what is missing to what God has provided. It changes the questions we ask, the thoughts we dwell on, and even the decisions we make.
Giving thanks in all circumstances doesn't mean we thank God for everything that happens; it means that in every circumstance, we can find something for which to thank Him. Even in difficult seasons, we can thank Him for His presence, His grace, His faithfulness, His promises, and His love. Don't wait for Thanksgiving Day and turkey and dressing to start counting your blessings. Start today. The more we practice gratitude, the more we train our minds to recognize the goodness of God.
Action Steps
Make a list of 10 things you are thankful for today, and don't allow yourself to repeat the same things.
Whenever you catch yourself thinking, “I wish I had…”, replace it with, “Thank You, God, for…”
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the times I've focused so much on what I don't have that I've forgotten how much You have already given me. Open my eyes to see Your blessings all around me. Teach me to be grateful in every circumstance and to recognize Your goodness even in difficult seasons. Help me count my blessings instead of counting what I'm missing. In Jesus’ name, amen.
