Grateful. Thankful. Blessed.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

How often do you feel like you’re standing at a crossroads, wishing God would write in the sky which direction you should go?

I often ask God questions like: What’s next? Is it time to go there? What about that idea? Should I make a change? Is this the plan you have for me? God, will you please just give me a sign pointing me in the direction I should go?

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us that gratitude, giving thanks to God is God’s will for us. Could it really be that simple?  Let’s search this scripture and see for ourselves.

Give Thanks – This spiritual habit frees you from the negativity that can hold you back from being the person God is calling you to be. 

• Think of a negative emotion that you struggle with (anger, bitterness, fear, envy…). 
• Now, count your blessings. Give God thanks for 10 blessings in your life. List them out loud or in your head. Write them down if you can.
• Can you see how focusing your mind on your blessings actually suppresses your negative emotions? If not, keep practicing. You’ll be amazed how thanking God flows your head and heart with gratitude.

In ALL Circumstances – God wants you to give thanks no matter what. Not for the bad or hard things in your life, no way! He wants you to thank Him in every situation because He is with you, for you, and loves you with an everlasting love. Focusing on God’s steadfast character and heart, gives you a plethora of things to be thankful for in any crisis, change, or conflict. 

• How would you describe God’s character? Think of 3-5 words that come to your mind when you think of who God is.

Here are a few things the Bible tells us about God. 

God is…

love. – 1 John 4:16

all powerful. – Jeremiah 32:17

merciful and comforting. – 2 Corinthians 1:3

mighty to save. – Isaiah 63:1

your Heavenly Father. – Matthew 6:9

giver of peace that surpasses understanding. – Philippians 4:7

a wonderful counselor. – Isaiah 9:6

unchanging. – Hebrews 13:8

faithful and true. – Revelation 19:11

Aren’t those wonderful attributes to remember about God? Isn’t God amazing?

Think of one challenging situation you are currently facing. Which attribute of God can you lean or during this time? Which one are you thankful for today?

When a child is struggling, we can thank God that He’s a wonderful counselor and our child’s Father in Heaven who loves more powerfully than we can fathom. When we face a huge conflict, we can thank God that He’s a peacemaker. And when we feel lost or have wandered far from our faith, we can thank our merciful God that He is mighty to save.

Lastly, if giving thanks to God leads to the plans He has for you, imagine yourself standing in front of a door that leads to God’s amazing presence. You are handed a single key. On that key is written – GRATITUDE. Your eyes widen and your heart beats faster. You are one step away from discovering God’s plans for your life. Will you take your key and unlock the door? Will you walk through the door, give God thanks and praise and then follow the plans He has for you?

Each day is an opportunity to live grateful. Will you give thanks to God in all circumstances and live out God’s will for your life?  When you do you will be grateful, thankful, and blessed. 

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World

Thank You for Being a Part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement