"...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5:18
Thanksgiving is uniquely American. People from all over the world read this blog and I know being grateful is not only an American emotion. In order to be grateful, you need to to know the truth about Jesus, what He has done for us who believe and especially - how God sees us.
God's view of us, and our view of ourselves is usually very different. When you ask this question, 'Who am I?', I hope you are able to focus on the truth. Do you know. . .
* You are accepted
- You are God's child, John 1:12
- You have been justified, Romans 5:1
- You are a saint, Ephesians 1:1
- You have been redeemed and forgiven of all your sins, Col.1:14
- You are complete in Christ - He began the work in you and He has finished it, Romans 8:30, Philippians 1:6
* You are secure
- You are forever free from condemnation, Romans 8:1,2
- You are assured that all things will work for good, Romans 8:28
- You cannot be separated from the love of God, Romans 8:37-39
- You have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind, 2 Timothy 1:7
- You are already a citizen of heaven, Philippians 3:20
* You are significant, special to God
- You are a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life, John 15:15
- You have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit, John 15:16
- You are God's workmanship, created for good works, Eph. 2:10
- You may approach God with freedom and confidence, Eph. 3:12
- You can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, Phil. 4:13
I hope you find the time to look up these verses and make them your own, apply them to your life and you can't help but have a 'attitude of gratitude.'
Studies show that people who are positive and easily give thanks "in all circumstances" are emotionally a lot happier than those who are not able to do this. We don't need to struggle, ask the Lord to remove fear and anxiety, hurt, regret about the past - whatever keeps you from totally embracing the overwhelming love of God -
just ask. If you are a parent, think of how much you want your child to be happy and successful. Think of how bad you feel when the child you love so much is doing harm to themselves. Nothing upsets us more than having to watch this behavior. We are God's child and He wants us to come to Him; He doesn't want to witness our pain because He's our Heavenly Father and it hurts.
Jesus is the source of all truth. When we believe this and are guided by this truth, life is so much better.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yolk (teachings) upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29
Sometimes I read this verse and think it was written just for me! I know that isn't true, but it feels like it. The God of the Universe knows that we become weary and burdened and need rest. The rest we are seeking is in knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
God bless you as we begin our holiday season. I don't know most of my readers, not your names or where you live or what you look like, but God knows, and I often pray for you.
Thank you Lord that you are the 'TRUTH'. We desperately need you in our lives to make our ways straight and give our troubled souls rest.
