Memory Verse: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)
Text: Psalm 103:1-14.
Spiritual Emphasis: There are many definitions of gratitude. At its foundation, gratitude is a healing, life-affirming, and uplifting human experience that shifts us from focusing on the negative to appreciating what is positive in our lives. Gratitude is a posture of the heart that is worshipful to God. It benefits our mental, physical, and emotional health, relationships, and even God’s kingdom. Gratitude is a powerful human emotion that means gratefulness or thankfulness. It is the way we acknowledge the goodness of God in our lives.
Start each day with a grateful heart – Benefits
Gratitude glorifies God – This alone would be reason to give thanks to God. Our gratitude glorifies God as we exalt not the gifts, but the Giver. Gratitude helps us realize all we have comes not because of us, but from God. The person of faith recognizes that God is always the primary cause of any success we have. He created us and gave us the gifts and opportunities that come our way – 2 Cor. 4:15; 1 Peter 4:10; Rom. 11:36; Eph. 1:11; James 1:17.
Gratitude helps us see God more clearly – Gratitude opens our spiritual eyes. There’s a beautiful cycle in giving God thanks: the more we thank Him, the more we see Him working in us and around us. Gratitude helps us sense God’s presence, His personal care and His perfect timing – Psalm 9:1; Psalm 95:2; Psalm 138:1; James 1:2-4.
Questions: How do we strive for God-glorifying thankfulness?
Conclusion:
I challenge you to cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude and thankfulness every day of what is left in 2022. Find a journal and write down your experiences of God’s faithfulness and blessings in your life every day. Go further and share it to encourage others. Please stop focusing on your limitations and what is missing. Set your gaze on God and His limitless grace to provide for all your needs. Your circumstances, dreams and desires are not beyond God’s grace and mighty power to turn around for good and for His glory.
Shalom!
Self-Study: Psalm 103:1-4; Colossians 2:6-7; Isaiah 12:4-5; James 1:17; 1 Chronicles 16:34; Hebrews 12:28; Psalm 95:1-5; Philippians 4:4-7; Psalm 118:24; Colossians 3:15-17; 1 Chronicles 29:13; Ephesians 5:18-20; Psalm 107:1-3; Hebrews 13:15; Psalm 119:1-8; 2 Corinthians 9:15.
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