ThanksLiving
“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“…the byproduct of gratitude is joy. We’re not joyful and then become…” – Brennan Manning
If I can give thanks, I can find joy.
**Give thanks in GOOD circumstances.
“Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to you. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and you are exalted as head over all. Riches and honor come from you, and you are the ruler of everything. Power and might are in your hand, and it is in your hand to make great and to give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, we give you thanks and praise your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your own hand. For we are aliens and temporary residents in your presence as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. Lord our God, all this wealth that we’ve provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand; everything belongs to you.”
1 Chronicles 29:11-16
Express it
“He who enjoys anything from creation, which is without blessing, commits misuse.”
**Give thanks in BAD circumstances.
“Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. For I tell you, from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Luke 22:17-19
“…keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2
Hope in it
**Give thanks in UGLY circumstances.
“The Israelites ate manna for forty years…” Exodus 16:35
Receive it
Write a gratitude letter.
Start a gratitude jar.
Keep a gratitude journal.