Give Thanks
How do you find thankfulness in the hard seasons?
This morning I went for a walk before work and used that time to pray. As I was walking, I thought to myself, wow Thanksgiving is in two days! It’s the holiday season and there’s so much cheer, excitement and love in the air. During the holidays, for the most part, people seem to be more joyful, thankful and happy. However, what about those that aren’t? What about those that are still living through some painful memories or currently in a season where they feel like they can’t find anything to be thankful for.
If I’m honest, this week has been HARD and it’s only Tuesday. HOWEVER, while there is life there is hope. Hope has a name and that name is Jesus.
Guys, if you’re having a hard time finding things to be thankful for or feeling thankful, start with thanking God the Father for this Son Jesus. Thank Him that you have access to even grieve with Him and that you’re not alone in that grief. He’s in every moment. He is always present and near to us! Don’t ever for a second believe the lie that you are alone.
John 16:33 says, ”I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. BUT take heart! I have overcome the world.” I have never been more thankful for the word “but” LOL. The word “but” in the scripture alone can bring you thankfulness! This scripture is Jesus speaking. How do I know? The words are in red in my Bible lol and, He is the only One that has overcome the world, so I know it’s Him speaking.
Philippians 1:6 says, “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” If you’re feeling discouraged about where you are in life or that you’re still struggling with something, be thankful for this verse. Be CONFIDENT that He will bring you through and continue to do a good work in you. He’s not done yet. Be thankful you are not where you once were. Don’t fret, He’ll bring you through.
Psalm 138:3 says, ”As soon as I pray, you answer me; You encourage me by giving me strength.” I find it so beautiful that the King of Heaven in all His glory and majesty encourages us. He encourages us by giving us strength and that strength sustains us. Make no mistake that that strength is only found in Jesus and it is only in His strength that you can live with hope and joy. Be thankful that He gives us strength. Be thankful that He encourages us and prays for us. His Word says He intercedes on our behalf. The God of the universe prays and fights for you! Man, if that’s not something to be thankful for then I don’t know what is.
If you’re having a hard time with the holidays or finding reasons to be thankful, then first start with being thankful for Jesus. Thank Him that you are still standing and while there is life there is still hope. After that, thank Him for the little things. It can be as little as thanking Him for running water, a bed, a notebook, community, being able to see the color of the leaves changing.
If you’re reading this blog post and don’t believe in Jesus, that’s okay. Welcome to On Fridays, We Clean and know that the King of the world’s thoughts towards you outnumber the grains of sand. He loves you and wants to get to know you.
Next steps for all of us:
When you have a moment, read Psalm 138: 1-8.
Write down 10 things you’re thankful for.
Pray out loud and thank Him for who He is and that you’re never alone.
We love you, Jesus and me.
