Giving thanks opens our eyes to see God at work in our lives and in the world.
Just taking five or ten minutes to consider how God is present with us is profoundly renewing. What a powerful way to break the enemy’s hold on our thoughts, tearing down his debilitating lies.
The regular practice of thanksgiving transforms us. It washes away the pollution of hopeless thinking from our hearts and minds and brings us face-to-face with the most amazing miracle: God is with us.
I’m sure you’ve read Paul’s words of encouragement to the Thessalonians many times. He tells them to remain joyful, pray continually and give thanks. Then he adds, “in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
We are in Christ whatever our circumstances – that’s signifi cant. He is with us in everything and keeps us lovingly in His Son through all things. I’m convinced that one of the chief ways the enemy robs us of courage and vision is by reminding us of what we don’t have or by making us stare at the mountain in the way. In those moments we lose sight of opportunities. We begin to doubt the potential that exists in our lives.
Discouragement can overwhelm us.
Since we are in Christ Jesus we must not let ourselves be convinced that the mountain is too high to be scaled or the giants too large to be toppled. The Lord has not given up on any of us, or on this world of broken and lost people.
Making thanksgiving a regular practice gives us strength to follow Jesus, share his precious Gospel, hold on to His promises and rest in his abilities to conquer what is too big for us.
Today I encourage you to find a few moments of solitude and ask the Holy Spirit to help you become aware of God’s presence with you, right now. Pray that he would open your eyes to the fact that nothing is impossible with Him.
Give thanks in all circumstances for His strong love endures forever!