CAUSE FOR GRATITUDE

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Yesterday during a chat with a new consult at the JEREMIAH TREE the topic of “gratitude”came up. The new client had hit upon some pretty hard times.

Car troubles.

Job search troubles.

Kid custody troubles.

She was homeless, pretty tired and a whole lot frustrated.

These are the tough sessions sometimes; when the litany of questionable choices and unfortunate circumstances are staring someone down. It is hard to find that silver lining; that hope.

But it is there.

And surprisingly enough it is found via gratitude.

I know that sounds a little counter-intuitive; being grateful when things are crumbling around us. But it works.

When we pause to THANK GOD for the things we DO have in the face of what we perceive we don’t; GOD brightens our perspective and injects hope!

Psalm 136:1

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; HIS LOVING KINDNESS CONTINUES FOREVER.

Challenging circumstance? His kindness continues...FOREVER.

Feeling oppressed? His kindness continues...FOREVER.

Overwhelmed? His kindness continues...FOREVER.

GOD reminds us that in spite of our circumstances and trials we are to REMAIN grateful, to remain mindful of His sovereignty and provision! He reminds us that we always will have our relationship with HIM and at the end of the day THAT is enough!

Isaiah 41:10

…Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Therefore friends we can remain grateful, even during trials.

Why?

Because not only is GOD right there with us, holding us and not only is HIS LOVE AND KINDNESS everlasting, but the Lord has also promised to work everything for our good. Yes, even the "tough stuff".

Romans 8:28

And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.

That means He has a purpose for every experience, pleasant or difficult.

Understanding these truths renews our strength for facing difficult times. And expressing GRATITUDE changes our ATTITUDE about God, ourselves, and our situations for the better.

More times than not we allow hurt and stress to form a pessimistic mindset which can negatively impact our lives. But believers have God’s Spirit working within them and the TRUTH to inject hope and possibilities into the most dire of circumstances!

Philippians 4:13

I CAN DO all things through him who strengthens me.

Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation; he protects me from danger—whom shall I fear?

Therefore we must demonstrate unwavering gratitude in the face of harsh circumstances. For when we do GOD’s love, provision, and grace flow more FREELY!

2 Corinthians 9:8

God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything…

Did you catch that?

GOD continues to pour on the blessing even when faced with ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. That is a cause for gratitude!

So maybe you are like my friend feeling as if you are facing ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING right now.

I encourage you to stay grateful.

The GOOD will be revealed.

The blessings are coming.

You have what it takes to make it through!

Don't take it from me...believe GOD!

1 Corinthians 10:13

…All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.

Now that is cause for gratitude!

I love you all!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney