How can being thankful to the Lord change your outlook in life? What are you thankful for today? Many times, we don’t spend a lot of time being thankful, but think about what we don’t have. I know I have been guilty of that and perhaps you have also.
When I spend time being thankful it draws my eyes off of myself and on to the Lord. Scripture tells us about the importance of being thankful.1 Thessalonians 5:18Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. [1]
The Israelites were Thankful to the Lord
The Lord fought for the Israelites and helped them overcome their enemy, the Philistines. Can you imagine the excitement when this happened? In the midst of their delight the Israelites did not forget to give thanks to the Lord as they set up a remembrance stone. The remembrance stone helped them to recall and be thankful for what the Lord had done.
1 Samuel 7:10 Just as Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines arrived to attack Israel. But the Lord spoke with a mighty voice of thunder from heaven that day, and the Philistines were thrown into such confusion that the Israelites defeated them. 11 The men of Israel chased them from Mizpah to a place below Beth-car, slaughtering them all along the way.
12 Samuel then took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer (which means “the stone of help”), for he said, “Up to this point the Lord has helped us!” [2]
We Can be Thankful to the Lord
Philippians 4: 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. [3]
As a follower of Jesus, it is important to cultivate the attitude of giving thanks to God in all circumstances. This is one of the simplest ways of overcoming anxiety. Instead of dwelling on what you seemingly lack, or getting overwhelmed with cares and worries, learn to always give thanks to the Lord.
As you are being thankful to the Lord, He will bless you more than your heart can fathom. You will also experience the peace of God, which transcends all understanding. So, quit complaining and worry yourself, place your faith in the Lord with a grateful heart, and your living testimonies will be many.
To hear how being thankful to the Lord can make a difference, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faith-makes-a-difference-samuel
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.