I was all set to go with my next blog… and then I felt the Holy Spirit tugging on my heart to write something else. So, in the spirit of obedience, I will save that blog for Thursday.

Today I am going to take the time to be thankful; to acknowledge that in the midst of all of the stress and the chaos and failures… God is providing exceedingly abundantly for me and for my family.

He is enough, friends. More than enough.

He sees me. Even though he is the God of the Universe, and holds millions of people in the palm of his hand, he knows my name. He knows my needs, and he knows my wants too. I can tell, because his blessings are all over my life and they are tailored for me.

This I declare: HE PROVIDES.

The Spirit keeps bringing the story about the healing of the 10 lepers in Matthew 17 to my mind. Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem and encounters ten men who are outside the village suffering from leprosy. He has mercy on them and sends them to the priests; as they go, they are healed. Here’s the part that sticks out to me: only one comes back to say thank you. ONE OF TEN.

Only one man takes the time to go and give the glory due God for his miraculous provision.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be the one.

So, I will say this: God is working in every single aspect of my life and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for how he takes care of me. Don’t get me wrong, I still have a mountain of problems and a lengthy prayer list that isn’t getting any shorter, but I have a thankful heart because I am choosing to look at his provision instead. I have learned to be thankful in all circumstances (see Philippians 4:11-13).

Sometimes, it’s easy to let our eyes get so fixed on what we think we need that we forget to look at what God is doing and what he has already done. Or to get so wrapped up in our blessing that we forget to go to the creator and be thankful for it. Or to want a certain answer so badly, we aren’t thankful for the answer we receive.  But it’s possible to be thankful no matter the circumstances. 

Thankfulness takes intention. It means searching for the good, watching for the answers to prayer, and taking time to express gratitude.

Today, I am thankful for who God is: there is no one like him. I am thankful that God answers prayers. I am thankful that sometimes he doesn’t. I am thankful that he promises to provide all that I need and has kept that promise.  I am thankful that he never leaves my side. I am most thankful for his grace and unconditional love every time I fall short. I am thankful that he offers that same gift to whoever will receive it. I am thankful for the opportunity to share that gift.

I am thankful for the people in my life that have brought me meals the last few weeks.

I am thankful for the people who have given me presents; really thoughtful, really heartfelt really amazing presents (I LOVE PRESENTS…my love language is gifts…just saying!).

I am thankful for the people who have sent encouraging messages and emails.

I am thankful for the continued protection and guidance for my children.

I am thankful for babysitters who love my kids when I am at my end.

I am thankful for family who is always ready to help.

I am thankful that my husband’s football team is 3-0 and that he has a platform to speak truth.

I am thankful that I’ve made new friends and reconnected with old ones because of my blog.

I am thankful that I can bring my sick and cancer-ridden friends to the feet of Jesus, the healer.

I am thankful for the money that shows up at just the right time and is always enough.

I am thankful for good friends that will show up and do the ugly days of life with me.

I am thankful for a friend who wants to edit my blogs and help me sound better.

I am thankful for the fountain of joy and peace that has sprung up in my spirit since I started to study and read the Word of God like a crazy woman.

Friends, what are you thankful for? When is the last time that you got on your knees and were grateful… purely grateful. No requests, no needs, only thankfulness when you approached the throne?

I love how Psalm 100 says it:

“Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!

Worship the Lord with gladness.

Come before him, singing with joy.

Acknowledge that the Lord is God!

He made us, and we are his.

We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving;

Go into his courts with praise.

Give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good.

His unfailing love continues forever,

And his faithfulness continues to each generation.”

 

Be the one.

Be intentionally thankful.

Give glory to the only One worthy of praise for all he has done and is yet to do.

I want to mention that sometimes when life is really challenging or tragic, it can be hard to be thankful. If that is your story right now, I am so sorry. I wish I could give you a giant hug. Trust me, I have been there. I have spent so much time there, I set up camp. But I will say this; even when life is too much, God is still good. If you struggle to find things in your life to be thankful for right now, then just be thankful for who God is. He never changes. He is good and will always be good. Thank him for who he is and that he is in control. Thank him for seeing you and knowing you and promising he will work things out for you. Thank him that you can hold on to hope in the midst of the darkest night. I KNOW it’s hard, but God is in it… and a thankful heart will open the door for the presence of God (see Psalm 100) to come, and in his presence there is fullness of joy and peace.

 

Let’s do this faith journey together. I’d love to hear what you are thankful for, and also your prayer requests. Message me or comment below. Blessings!