“No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
To always be thankful would mean that we aren't just to be thankful when God has done something wonderful in our life. Or when He has answered a prayer or given us an unexpected blessing. We are to be thankful no matter what happens and in all situations. We should thank Him on a beautiful warm spring day as we listen to the birds singing and when the storm clouds seem to follow us for days on end. We should thank Him when everything seems to be going our way and when things seem to be going against us.
We should praise Him for who He is and thank Him for His goodness in all things regardless of our present circumstances.
The psalmist said, "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations" (Psalms 100:4, 5 NIV).
When we come into the presence of God with a grateful heart even in the midst of painful circumstances He will inhabit our praises. He will fill our grateful hearts with His love and goodness.
A thankful heart is one that recognizes who God is.
A thankful heart sees what God has done.
A thankful heart is one exercising faith.
A thankful heart looks to God as the Source and Sustainer of everything.
A thankful heart sees God for who He is and not who they want Him to be.
A thankful heart knows that God is perfect in His goodness, even in the midst of pain.
A thankful heart knows God always remains faithful.
God is always there and He loves us and will never leave us.. When we understand that, we will humbly bow before Him and worship Him. Worship flows from a grateful heart.
To be thankful is a decision that you make every day. You can choose to grumble and complain or you can choose have a thankful heart.
What are you Thankful for today?
May you worship in the joy that follows a thankful heart.
For more Thankful Thursday visit IRIS
man I just read a verse (100 psalm) like that!
ReplyDeleteBy the way love yr layout!
God bless you
Amadis
Thanks for sharing such a lovely post.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great thing for me to tell myself every day - I can choose to complain or choose to have a thankful heart.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Have a blessed TT!
ReplyDeleteThis post caused so much rejoicing to rise up with me. THANK YOU!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful TT post! We must remember to thank God in all things!
ReplyDeleteI love your post and I choose to have a thankful heart along with you!
ReplyDeleteOh yes we have so much to thank the Lord for, this is a wonderful post... Love the colors on your blog too..
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful and uplifting! My mind has been focused alot on praise lately, and He fills a grateful heart w/ even more- to overflowing in fact. Praise, Love, Worship- that is a one repetative cycle I don't mind getting caught up in!
ReplyDeleteDear Sharon,
ReplyDeleteYou're right, being thankful IS a decision everyday. It's not always easy when you are going through trials- but it does make things a little better. He is worthy!
I'm so glad you stopped by my other blog :)
Much love, Chanin