It’s a choice…
This week of course is Thanksgiving here in the U.S. This Thursday we’ll gather in our homes with family and friends, eat a ton of food, sleep all afternoon and do anything from playing games to going to the movies that night. I personally love Thanksgiving. Amanda and I live a day’s travel from our families so the simple fact of getting together with everyone is enough for me to love the day. Plus the amazing food that I get to grub on all day and all weekend makes it a bonus; cranberry salad, sweet potato casserole, smoked turkey, stuffing…somebody holla!
The Holy Spirit is attracted to a thankful heart. Throughout His Word God is constantly giving us the command and encouragement to be found with true thankfulness in our hearts. This is a choice you know, to be thankful. It’s not something you either have or don’t have. You choose to be thankful. You choose to pause, reflect and remember the goodness and provision that God has bestowed upon you. As you do this I assure you that thanksgiving will begin to “well up” within your soul and you’ll be strengthened in your spirit.
We’re more faithful, gentle and understanding when we’re thankful. Think of the opposite. When you see someone that constantly focuses on what they don’t have or didn’t get you’ll usually find a person that’s easily angered and that’s embodied with bitterness. Your heart will be fueled with the way you speak and think. If you focus on what you lack and speak of it you’ll surely be blind to see what you have and what you’ve been given. This of course weakens your ability to be faithful and gentle.
Yet the opposite is also true. When you “choose” to see what you’ve been given, the good acts of a gentle Father seen in your life, you’ll begin to see more. You’ll even begin to see times of when you think you’re receiving “less than” as actually times of God’s good dealings in your life. You’ll surely be overflowing with thanksgiving and a cheerful heart. This isn’t just good language. It’s for real. Your inner-life will be powerfully touched in a positive way by choosing to be thankful before the Lord.
Fill your mouth with what God has done in your life. Look back and see His goodness. Reflect. Take the time to do this often so our hearts can grow more and more thankful.
Be thankful today and this week. Have eyes to see.
Wes
