How Being Thankful Can Transform Your Life
How is your sense of gratitude these days? Amidst the hustle and challenges of life, it's quite common to sideline gratitude.
While many of us relish the comforts of life, acknowledging their source can sometimes slip our minds. It happens to the best of us, so don't be too hard on yourself.
In the somewhat less frequented book of Leviticus, we find a poignant reminder: “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are my appointed festivals, the appointed festivals of the Lord, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.’” (Leviticus 23:1-2 NCV)
Following this directive, God outlines a series of festivals, rituals, and assemblies, all rich in detail. The overarching message? To express gratitude for everything God has blessed us with, a provision that continues to this day.
What, then, does God provide?
Firstly, life itself. God gifts us the capacity for love, the talents we hone, and essentially, all that we cherish—from food and clothing to the myriad comforts of our lives.
It's also a humbling thought that ultimately, God is the final keeper of all we have; our possessions will pass to others after us, and ultimately back to Him.Forgetting to express gratitude is an easy misstep, yet embracing a thankful heart can profoundly uplift our spirits.
Taking a moment to count your blessings each morning can profoundly enrich your perspective. Have you ever taken the time to list the positives in your life? Everything from the luxury of hot water and clean sheets to the joy pets or favorite items bring us.
The Apostle Paul encouraged the Thessalonians with these words: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NCV)
LORD, we offer our heartfelt thanks for everything—our lives, the love we share, and our abilities are all gifts from You. Guide us to fully appreciate and routinely pause to express our gratitude for Your endless provisions. A thousand thanks for the blessings of life, love, talent, luxury, peace, and safety we enjoy every day. IJNIP, Amen
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