Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, how great it is to be able to recognize and know the goodness and mercy of God in and through all things. This year makes it even harder to see the goodness and mercy of God because of everything that is happening, yet it is our greatest weapon to withstand everything with contentment.
I am sure that, like me, many of your plans from the start of 2020 have not gone as you expected. None of us saw this coming, but we ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” James 4:15. When you include God in your planning it will help leave room for any surprises. Surprises always come when, yet God is already aware of any surprises and knows what steps to take if only you trust in Him and His timing.
Waiting with Patience & Thanksgiving
Waiting is part of life just as breathing is part of living. We are always waiting for one thing or another, and sometimes multiple things at once. Thanksgiving can keep your mind from wandering with doubts or uncertainty. If we have to go by our feelings we’ll be missing a lot from God.
Negative emotions and feelings are on the rise. It is amazing how much depression and anxiety have surged in the past months. Many are nurturing negative feelings through our conversations with others and within ourselves. The more we focus on problems the more prevalent they become and negative thoughts and feelings can turn into our default. As Christians, the Bible encourages us to choose life; meaning to speak with faith and trust God. That thanksgiving helps you to stand fast in the Will of God while waiting for Him to work everything perfectly.
Consider His Mercy
In His love and in His redeemed them. Isaiah 63:9
For many, this time of the year brings memories of pain, grief, sadness, loss, hopelessness, etc, adding to what is already happening. Giving thanks to God does not mean denying our circumstances or undermining them. It is an opportunity to acknowledge them while focusing more on the one who loves us so much that He gave his only begotten son. Through it all, He never forsakes and continues to give the strength and grace to keep enduring. God is tender, forgiving, generous, and loving toward you and your loved ones.
Recognizing His Mercy & Blessings
When we recognize the mercy of God then we will be able to show appreciation as Paul did. “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all” 1 Timothy 1:15. Paul recognized God’s grace and the cost of the cross. May we be able to recognize God’s blessings no matter what we’re going through. He is always in the midst of everything, cheering us to stand fast in our faith and trust his mercy and power to save us.
I love this quote from Dr. Charles F. Stanley “No one can serve the Lord with real passion until they are persuaded of the everlasting and overwhelming kindness of God”.
Let today be the day that you will spend time counting all your blessings, and consider what your life would be without the goodness of God. When you recognize His presence it inspires you to give praise with great enthusiasm and passion.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Your magnificent mercy and love! You have redeemed me from so much, and I will praise Your name forever. Amen. (Dr. Charles F. Stanley).
I guess it is not too late to say Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Keep thanking God, because when we are thankful it shifts our perspective. Also, it makes you realize that you have everything because of his marvelous grace. Sometimes the feeling won’t accompany the gesture of thanksgiving, but gratitude is more than a feeling. Therefore, practice Thanksgiving as your strategy to withstand the troubles of life.
Thank you for reading. You are blessed to be a blessing. Have a wonderful weekend. Stay Blessed Always!
https://theartofchristianliving.blog/2019/11/28/happy-thanksgiving-grateful-to-you-all/