What's Hindering Your Thankfulness?

Blogs and Facebook pages have suddenly become places to share what you're thankful for. I've enjoyed reading these posts which are leading us up to that one big thankful day, Thanksgiving.

However, do you sometimes struggle with being thankful? Or, do you have trouble hanging on to that grateful feeling?

Don't feel bad. God knew that we would struggle like this. Jesus spoke specifically about the things that might get us down, stealing our ability to be truly thankful.

In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches us not to worry. Specifically, He says not to fret over food, drink, and clothing. At first thought, we might feel we're fine with these things, but when was the last time you groaned over your grocery bill because of its enormous jump in price? Have you ever chewed your fingernails over having to buy your child another pair of jeans because the last pair looks more like capris? Have you wrung your hands about the fact that you seem to have more month than money?

What was Jesus' answer for these worries? He reminds us that God provides for the birds of the air, and He will even more so provide for us.

Paul writes in Philippians 4:4-8, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

Paul tells us in these verses to rejoice and not be anxious. Did you notice that we are to pray with an attitude of thanksgiving? We can pray with gratitude because God has promised He will take care of us. He will even replace those worried feelings with a peace that can't be explained. Paul even gives us a list of positive things to think on to ward off the negative talk.

So, how about it, Christian brother or sister? Let's get rid of what is hindering our thankfulness, so we can be truly thankful for all the Lord's blessings.

Let this encourage you!

Count Your Blessings