Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Giving Thanks

Seeing as though Thanksgiving is TOMORROW (how did that happen by the way?) I thought this was an appropriate devotional to share.  This is an excerpt from my devotional a few weeks ago about giving thanks…

Girlfriends in God - Mary Southerland 

Psalm 138:2 "I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name."

“Are there times when you don't feel like praising God? Honestly, our feelings are irrelevant when it comes to praising God. Praise is not about us. Praise is all about God. Praise is a deliberate choice and a learned habit that produces contentment and an attitude of gratitude.

In Philippians 4:11, the Apostle Paul writes, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." In this verse, "learned" means to be "educated by experience" and the word "content" means "contained." Paul's contentment was the result of the resources contained in his heart. In other words, Paul used his circumstances as tutors in the school of praise. He learned how to give God praise even when he was beaten, ridiculed, in prison and facing his own death. Paul's attitude did not reflect his circumstances. Paul made a deliberate choice to praise God - no matter what. Why? Because Paul knew that even when he did not understand God's process, he could trust God's heart.

When we are discouraged, praise reminds us that there is hope in God.

When we are afraid, praise reminds us that no matter what happens, God is with us.  

When we are lost, praise reminds us that God has already been where He is leading us. 

When we are confused, praise reminds us that heaven is not in a panic.”

 

I choose to praise Him and give thanks today!  What about you??

4 comments:

  1. Wonderful post and very timely with the holiday tomorrow. Have a great holiday and I am Thankful for women like you to share this process!!!! God bless you.

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  2. Thanks for a great post, Lisa. I totally needed to hear what you had to say. We found out we miscarried our second pregnancy today. I feel like in the next few weeks, I'm going to struggle with thanksgiving. But I'm thankful for the truth you posted today about when we are discouraged, afraid, and lost. God knows what He is doing and He is good. God totally used you in my life today.

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