Title: How to Have Gratitude That is Independent of Circumstances
Text:
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (HCSB)
18 Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Observation:
On this Thanksgiving Day I am so thankful that I have a gratitude that abides in my life regardless of the changing circumstances that I have encountered in my journey.
In this life there are seasons when pleasant things happen, and for these I am grateful. However, there are seasons in my life when unpleasant and painful things happen, and in these circumstances I have found the ability to also be grateful.
I have found that the latter kind of gratefulness does not depend upon right things happening because there is a source that resides inside of me that provides a stability. In the inner man there is an inexhaustible source of light, life, and love; it is the divine presence of Christ in me; the hope of glory.
I can be grateful and give thanks in everything because within me is a place where the Son is always present, and He is providing, in addition to the things mentioned above, He is also providing me with provisions, power, and peace.
Psalm 23:6 (ESV)
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Prayer:
Father God, I am so thankful that my gratitude does not depend upon just the things that are pleasant because these things don't last forever; they are transient, and can be lost in a moment.
However, I am grateful every day for the blessings that reside in my inner life that are not shaken by the storms of living in a fallen world.
Father, on this Thanksgiving Day, I am so thankful for my family and my friends. I'm grateful for the presence, power, and provisions I receive daily; the power that provides the stability, serenity, and the security in my life now, and forever.
Father, I pray that Your divine favor will be enjoyed by all, who by faith, will look to You, and with grateful hearts will receive all that You desire to give them. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:
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