Give Thanks
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4.6-7
As humans we tend to focus on the negative.
I was reminded recently of how important it is to have a heart of thanksgiving. As humans we tend to focus on the negative. Many people may receive 10 positive compliments, and one negative comment. More than likely they will be consumed with the negative comment. Thus begins a downward spiral. They begin to pile on to that one negative comment with all of their own negative thoughts about themselves: past shortcomings, weaknesses, imperfections, plus all of their personal negative aspects they believe everyone else knows as well.
On the other hand:
I was reminded recently of how important it is to have a heart of thanksgiving. As humans we tend to focus on the negative. Many people may receive 10 positive compliments, and one negative comment. More than likely they will be consumed with the negative comment. Thus begins a downward spiral. They begin to pile on to that one negative comment with all of their own negative thoughts about themselves: past shortcomings, weaknesses, imperfections, plus all of their personal negative aspects they believe everyone else knows as well.
On the other hand:
A thank-filled heart helps take the focus off of us.
A thank-filled mind takes our thoughts off of earthly things.
A thank-filled attitude gives us a more pleasant disposition.
A thank-filled life causes us to look for and count the blessings of God.
A thank-filled spirit removes our anxieties.
A thank-filled mind takes our thoughts off of earthly things.
A thank-filled attitude gives us a more pleasant disposition.
A thank-filled life causes us to look for and count the blessings of God.
A thank-filled spirit removes our anxieties.
Philippians 4.6 says: “Do not be anxious about ANYTHING.” We cannot manufacture an anxious free life. We cannot just tell ourselves to stop being anxious. The Holy Spirit is the One who can remove our anxieties and fill us with thanksgiving.
So, how can we better participate with the Holy Spirit?
So, how can we better participate with the Holy Spirit?
- Tell God you are anxious. Then, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the root of that anxiety.
- Ask God to begin to remove your anxiety by giving to you His peace.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the blessings of God you may be ignoring.
- Offer prayers of thanksgiving for what is revealed to you.
- “Let your requests be made known to God.” Again, be honest. Tell God what is on your heart, and then give thanks and believe that He not only hears your prayers, and trust that He will answer according to His good and perfect will.
- Then, spend time silently being in the presence of God. Don’t rush on. Don’t just give God your “to do list” and end by saying “Amen”. Be still, and begin to truly trust, know and believe that He is GOD. Listen to what He wants to say to you.
Do it right now.
Take the time to be present with God. As you continue to “stay at home”, living in isolation, practicing safe distancing; as you watch the news, as you consider the future, what are you anxious about? What are you fears? What are your needs? What can you be thankful for in the midst of it all?
Jesus said, “The thief (the enemy) comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that
they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10.10) Don’t let the enemy win. As you offer your petitions with thanksgiving, God will take away your anxieties in order to give you a peace that cannot be explained as you experience the abundant life of Christ.
Take the time to be present with God. As you continue to “stay at home”, living in isolation, practicing safe distancing; as you watch the news, as you consider the future, what are you anxious about? What are you fears? What are your needs? What can you be thankful for in the midst of it all?
Jesus said, “The thief (the enemy) comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that
they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10.10) Don’t let the enemy win. As you offer your petitions with thanksgiving, God will take away your anxieties in order to give you a peace that cannot be explained as you experience the abundant life of Christ.
Posted in Drops of Grace
Drops of Grace - Pastor Bill
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The Voice
April 13th, 2021
The Cross of Christ
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March 16th, 2021
Peace! Be Still!
February 9th, 2021
Here Am I!
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Walk With God
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Light In The Darkness
December 17th, 2020
Shouts Of Praise
November 24th, 2020
Soul Time
October 30th, 2020
The Great I AM
October 1st, 2020
Heaven On Earth
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God Knows
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Good Fruit
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Now Is The Time
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4 Comments
Thank you for words of encouragement to turn our anxious thoughts into praises of thanksgiving!
Enjoyed your blog. Philippians 4: 6-9 is my go to scripture.
This is my first time here, something told me to read it. There are days when I question my beliefs, doubts. Maybe I'm not waiting to hear what He has to say, maybe I'm missing something. I do my alone time with God but here for a while I've been rushing to get it done, not relaxing like before. I am thankful for all He has given me and done for me and yes, I ask for help, and that's where it ends, I don't see the answers, not looking in the right place? I Don't Know. This message has made me stop and think, I need to slow down. Maybe I'm looking for answers in the wrong places. I know He's there for me, I just don't see the light at the end of the tunnel. Tomorrow in my alone time I'll be more patient. Thanks
I have been taking your Drops of Grace posts to Carmil Nehls at Living Care. She said that this one blessed her so much that she reads it every day and is encouraged. She wanted me to say thank you for this beautiful message