We live in a world of uncertainty, but the Lord promises, “I will certainly be with you” (Exodus 3:12).
Chesterton, instead of taking things for granted, we do well to take them with gratitude. When there are dark clouds, we can thank God for silver linings. When we face a setback, we can thank the Lord for all the areas of life that are in good shape. When we’re sick, we can thank God for the parts of our body that still work and for the diseases we do not have. While I may not always feel joy, God asks me to give thanks in all things, because He knows that the feeling of joy begins in the action of thanksgiving.” 3 Ann Voskamp puts it this way: “To give thanks is an action and rejoice is a verb and these things are not mere pulsing emotions. Looking at hardship through the lens of thanksgiving allows us to see everything more clearly. Right thinking wins the battle against worry. But by entrusting our needs to God and filling our minds with gratitude, we can experience peace. Destructive thoughts will choke out the Word of God and cause Christians to abandon trust. The Greek word for anxious means to have “a mind divided” between legitimate thoughts and destructive thoughts. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he wrote, “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” (Philippians 4:6-7). If bitterness is present in our life, it’s a strong indication that thankfulness is absent. It buoys me on the grace of God.” 1 I wonder how our attitudes would change if we looked up every biblical reference to thanksgiving and gratitude and took them seriously. Even in the most turbulent waters, choosing gratitude rescues me from myself and my runaway emotions. “A lack of gratitude,” Nancy continued, “manifests itself in fretting, complaining, and resenting….
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