Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)
With Thanksgiving…how important it is that what we do, we do with an attitude of gratitude. I remember a couple of years back, the year got started on a really rough note. Someone had suggested how thankfulness would be the key to propel me forward during that tough time. I remember opening up a sticky note on my laptop and each day I would make a small list of things I was thankful for. Somedays it would be the little things, the warm cup of coffee on a cold morning, my comfy pajamas or a kind word from a friend. Other days it was for bigger things like my family, my close friends and God’s provision. Either way, keeping my blessings in perspective helped to shield me from the bitterness of disappointment.
The verse referenced above tells us that “with thanksgiving” we should present our requests to God. Why? Depending on what the request is and in what area you find a need, you may not feel like thankfulness is an appropriate response. But it is! Thankfulness is one of the prerequisites for allowing God’s peace in to guard our heart and our mind.
Thankfulness helps us to remember God’s goodness and faithfulness. It reminds us how trustworthy He is. Thankfulness helps us to remember all that He has brought us out of, so that we can have faith for all that He is bringing us into. Thankfulness reminds us that no matter how hard it seems, God’s grace is sufficient for us. No matter how dark the situation, His light shines brightly in the midst of it.
Thankfulness makes a way for faith to rise up. We remember if He has done it before, He will do it again. What are you asking God for today? What is your request? Pave the way to your breakthrough with thankfulness and let God’s peace settle over your heart and mind. He is working. You don’t need to see the outcome before you start thanking Him for your victory!
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