“From the rising of the sun to its setting, The name of the LORD is to be praised.”—Psalm 113:3 (NASB)
With it being November, I always feel compelled to write about gratitude. If you have been following my ups and downs when I was helping with caring for my mother, you know how much of a struggle it was for me to find joy each day.
When I was going through that challenging time with my mom, I had to be very intentional about being appreciative. If I focused too much on the situation, it sucked the joy out of me. Not only was it affecting my headspace mentally, emotionally and spiritually, but also my health.
The only way to get me out of what I called a spiritual “funk” was when I would thank God for my blessings, which were many. Taking the focus off me and back on Him is the only way to get out of that spot. Ingratitude can spring up so easily when we don’t fill our hearts with thanksgiving.
Gratitude is our response to what has happened, is happening as well as what will happen in our future. I can look back on my past and give Him praise for all He has done for me as well as in my here and now. Thanking God for who He is and what He has done brings us closer to Him. It deepens our relationship with Him.
Writing down or speaking out loud what you are thankful for is a mood booster. It takes you away from complaining and feeling sorry for yourself. When I talked about my mom’s negative behaviors, I couldn’t see my daily blessings. Practicing gratitude helps you to sift out the negativity of the world.
This Thanksgiving season, may we thank God that are sins are forgiven with our ultimate destination a new heaven and earth. Being guaranteed a heavenly inheritance is the best reason to rejoice and give thanks.
Knowing one day, I will be with my Lord and Savior FOREVER is the one thing that gives me hope. I know my last day here on this earth isn’t the end for me. Praise Jesus!
Father God,
Teach me to be thankful no matter what life brings. I ask for grace when I don’t calmly handle difficulties. Thank You, that NOTHING can separate me from Your Love. Holy Spirit, control my mind. Fill it with peace and joy despite the chaos of our unpredictable world. Open my eyes to all the blessings You provide each day. I lift those up to You who feel as if they are drowning in their circumstances. May they see Your hand in their life. Bless them with people to lighten their load. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
November Verse
“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.”—Psalm 113:3
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