November 21, 2016
Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Who can list the glorious miracles of the LORD? Who can praise Him enough? Psalm 106:1-2 NLT
As we enter the season of giving thanks…and expressing gratitude, I am sure that all of us, at some point in our lives, have been tempted to focus on things we perceive we are missing in our lives, and the problems or giants we are facing, rather than first looking up and remembering the blessing and the abundance in our lives. I have experienced these times as I have allowed my focus to threaten my peace and the gift and the joy of my today.
Considerable research has been done on the power of gratitude. The word gratitude is derived from a Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness. Research shows that attitudes of gratitude, are strongly and consistently associated with happiness and contentment in life. A grateful person exudes a gracious and a grateful countenance, while experiencing more positive emotions, improved health, improved relationships, and strength to deal with and to overcome adversity.
Our faithful God does not require us to read the psychological studies in order for us to understand the truth about gratitude. Scripture instructs us throughout the Bible, to give thanks, to express gratitude, and to be filled with joy and with the peace of God when we do so. Giving thanks and living in an attitude and position of gratitude, is one of the most powerful weapons in our arsenal as we battle the giants in our lives…
Each day this week as you are still before your Heavenly Father, as you meet with Him, as you celebrate His Presence, begin your time with Him by listing your blessings, your gifts from Him, and the ‘glorious miracles’ in your life. Offer Him your heart, filled with appreciation, for the great and mighty things He has done in your life. Give Him the highest praise and the honor and glory only He is worthy of…
I believe that you will begin to experience more confidence each day as you allow God to go before you and as you follow Him as He leads you and guides you into His victory, as He defeats the giants in your life.
Remember, your Father always shows up and He is always on time…I encourage you to make an appointment with Him. As you continue in these Thirty Days of Prayer…Finding Strength in the LORD, I pray for you as you celebrate this beautiful season of giving thanks, expressing gratitude…and as you experience His victory over the giants in your life! In Him, you are strong enough.
Praying for you as you Find Strength in your LORD,
