One day I stumbled upon Psalms 100:4. There it is written, "ENTER into the Lords gates with Thanksgiving and His courts with Praise." Prior to that, it had never really occured to me to put thanksgiving FIRST. Although I was accustomed to thanking God, I began to realize that it would be much better if I made it a priority. I began doing this by remembering to thank Him at the beginning of each prayer and I also began offering thanks throughout the day. In doing so, I have grown increasingly aware of all that there is to be thankful for. As far back as I can remember, I have been thankful for my relationship with God but I have grown even more thankful for His love, protection, mercy, grace and everything else about Him. I am especially thankful that He is patient because He has been extremely patient with me.
Today I find that I am also thankful for many things that I use to take for granted. Like sunny days, a good nights rest, a cool breeze on a hot day, music, cats, trees, flowers and all of the things that help to make life enjoyable. I am also thankful that even during difficult times, I can trust that God will see me through and that eventually things will get better again. I often wonder what my life would be like if I never offered any thanks. I imagine that my thoughts would be negative and centered on lifes difficulties. I have realized that God has designed a way for us to remain positive and hopeful. By thanking and praising Him, He allows us to enter into His gates and find peace and joy in His presence. I know that He is most deserving of our thanksgiving at all times, each and every day.
As I stepped outside
Rain fell upon my head,
My car wouldn't start,
So I walked to school instead.
I forgot all my assignments,
I failed all of my tests.
I dropped my head in disgust
And asked the Lord for one request.
"Lord, why is it that things
Just won't go my way?"
He said, "Dear child because
You didn't thank Me yesterday."
"I woke you up and enabled you
To see the sun again.
I gave you shelter, protected you,
And blessed you with a friend."
"I blessed you yesterday
Just like I had before.
But I saw you were too busy
To thank me just once more."
"Yesterday you were not sick
For I maintained your health.
You had money in your pocket
Because I maintained your wealth."
"You had shoes on your feet
And clothes to wear, too.
You had plenty of food to eat,
So, then what did you do?"
"You ignored me all day long
And went about your tasks.
But when you wanted something
You did not hesitate to ask."
"I was there when you needed me,
And that wasn't long ago.
But when things went your way,
It was thanks you did not show."
"Then there were many times,
I provided luxuries.
I didn't have to do this,
They were not necessities."
"When it was time for you
To show your gratitude
Your days were too fulfilling,
And you weren't in the mood."
"So I decided I would give you
Just a little test.
To show you what it's like
When you're not being blessed."
I then began to realize
What the Lord was saying.
So I fell down on my knees
And then I started praying.
He said, "My child, you have learned
And you know that I forgive.
But remember what I taught you
As long as you shall live."
"I love to fill your life with joy,
And your pain I'll alleviate it.
But just a simple thank you shows
How much you appreciate it."
Author: Unknown
Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus. 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 4:6-8
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