Most Generous Lord, I want to give You thanks for Your unfailing love, many benefits and wondrous deeds. The challenge I face is living gratefully no matter what circumstances I find myself. The truth be known, I have many reasons to say “thank you”. You do not ask me to give thanks for the things going on in my life, but to be grateful in the midst of them. When things go wrong, I should be thankful that they are not worse. When I find myself lacking, I must remain thankful for the things I have. When hardships I am experiencing do not go my way, I must be thankful that my deliverance is not far away. As long as I can find a reason to be thankful, I believe that joy and hope are possible. There is always an opportunity to experience peace and contentment when I give thanks knowing that my well-being is a high priority with you. Believing that You are standing with me is reason enough to be thankful.
At this time of the year, there are many reminders to “give thanks”, “be grateful” and “count my blessings”. It is a time to reflect upon the many benefits You’ve added to my life, the opportunities You’ve given me to succeed and the assurance of Your undying love and affection for me. By giving thanks for the life You’ve given to me provides the impetus to begin living the life that I’ve always wanted. I need to apply my efforts to changing my grumbling into gratitude. Not only will it change my attitude, but it will inspire others to emulate my behavior. As I fill my days with gratitude, my light will shine forth the goodness that You have enkindled within me. Little by little, as I learn to let go of negative thoughts and words and begin to focus on all of the good things that You’ve placed in my life … I will be able to see Your beauty more clearly.
The joy I seek, the hope I long for, the difference I want to make in the world all fall into place when my focus changes from me to You. As I begin to do so, my perspective begins to change from what I wish I had to recognizing all that I’ve already been given. That’s when Thanksgiving becomes much more than a holiday and becomes more a way of life. As I watch the swirling leaves of autumn come drifting to the ground, I am reminded that they show me a lesson I should not forget. For just as a tree does not stubbornly cling to its dying leaves, I should not hold on to offenses … carry with me the burden of unpleasant circumstances … or become discouraged over lost opportunities. If I cannot enter the future with hope and optimism, the old habits, memories and circumstances of the past will drag me down. In appreciation for all You have done, I will give You thanks always. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.