Giving Thanks
Thanksgiving is almost here.
It’s the day before Thanksgiving and I just had a disagreement with my roommate. We both were feeling stressed over all the preparations we have to make for tomorrow. Emotions began to escalate and voices started getting louder, each one trying to be heard above the other. But neither on of us were listening. I knew I had to calm the situation down. So, I decided to leave the room.
I sat down to write this article about giving thanks but I was frustrated and angry. I didn’t feel much like writing about this topic. So, I took a deep breath and looked to God. An insight came to me at that moment. It was advice I had recently given to a friend who was discouraged. And I had used it before in many situations. I realized that it could be used to transform just about any type of bad feelings.
Count Your Blessings
“Count your blessings,” three little words that can transform your whole attitude. I have heard it many times and I have said it often to others. But I never want to take it for granted! It is powerful!
So, I began to count:
- I am thankful for life. God has blessed me with a wonderful life.
- I am grateful that God has given me good health.
- I am blessed with great friends.
- God has provided for my basic needs; food, shelter, and clean water.
- God has blessed me with great Bible teaching that is easily accessible.
- God has endowed me with spiritual gifts so that I can bless others.
- God has given me a fantastic church family. They are there for me whenever I need them.
- I am grateful that I have a talent for writing and can use it to glorify God.
- I am thankful for the Bible, God’s Word to me. It guides me through this life.
- I have been blessed most of all when God sent His Son, Jesus, to forgive my sins and restore me to fellowship with my heavenly Father.
And breathe! It worked! I am totally calm again. All unhealthy thoughts are gone. I am reminded of one of my favorite Bible verses.
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8
Giving Thanks – An Attitude of Gratitude
An attitude of gratitude is a powerful weapon to fight discouragement, frustration, anger, pain, and a variety of other bad situations. Use it often. If you need a little help getting started, try reading Psalms. That book is full of thankfulness and gratitude. Try remembering all of the blessings God has given to you.
“Bless the Lord, o my soul; and all that is within me bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, o my soul, and forget not all His benefits, Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalms 103:1-5
In the comments below, tell us the things you are thankful for. We would love to hear about them!
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