Part Two of Four Focal Points of Thankfulness
By Kathryn Breckenridge
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–19 (NKJV)
Thanksgiving is coming soon! Do you have an Attitude of Gratitude?
The other day, I was grumbling about the unending chores I needed to do. My friend lovingly told me that she is trying to develop an attitude of gratitude and not to complain. She said when she’s doing the dishes, she tries to thank God for the food that the plates held and for the people who were able to eat with her. When her car is nearly out of gas, she reminds herself that God gave her the car, the gas, and the ability to drive. I got the point.
I want a lasting year-long Attitude of Gratitude for what God has done for me and for others.
Let me share some areas that I’m giving thanks to God for with a grateful heart. God is:
Good Shepherd (John 10:1–18). Jesus Christ is our Good Shepherd. He leads us, cares for us, defends us, and He finds the lost. He knows each of us by name. I like to think of Him carrying me in His arms or leading me with my family.
Light in the Darkness. The apostle John wrote of Jesus as “the Light, that all through him might believe” (John 1:1–9). The world is pretty dark without Jesus. I may not see what the future holds, but I’m thankful He lights the way.
Savior. Jesus took my sins on the cross so I can be reconciled with my Heavenly Father (Romans 5:1–11). I couldn’t do that. We are all sinful. Jesus’ blood was shed for me. Jesus washed away my sin and the judgement I deserve (Romans 3:23, 6:23; John 3:16-17; 1 Timothy 1:8 –10).
The Promise Keeper. God keeps every one of His promises!
Jehovah Jireh, The-LORD-Will-Provide (Genesis 22:14) Abraham gave this name to the place where the Lord provided the ram in the thicket to be offered instead of Abraham’s son Isaac. God provides so much for each of us, and for all of His creation. God provided me with His mercy, grace, and salvation. God placed me in the U.S.A. where I have freedom. God gave me my family. He provided for my family through illnesses, surgeries, and unemployment. We had the needed food, shelter, and, eventually, employment. My car stopped working last week. My husband and I are trusting God will guide us to the right vehicle.
How has God has provided for you?
What are you thankful for this year?
When my eyes are on God and not on me, my attitude is one of gratitude. It’s easier to stop grumbling and to Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks, as 1 Thessalonians instructs us to do. What a wonderful God He is! I just have to say thank you!
Thank you, God, for your help and gifts in my life. Please forgive me for grumbling. Help me to rejoice and be thankful in everything. In Jesus’ powerful name. Amen.
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I’m grateful you joined me on my thankfulness journey. Last week we looked at who God is and His character in part one, Thanksgiving: Thank You, God, for Who You Are! Next week, Part Three will focus on Thanksgiving: God, Thank You for My Family and Friends. It will include ideas on how we can show we are thankful for and how to encourage our family and friends as well as pray for them. Please share your comments. I’d love to hear from you.
Scriptures marked NKJV are taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION (NKJV): Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION®. Copyright© 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
