Tuesday, May 16, 2017

A Happy Heart is a Thankful Heart (Part 2)

THANKFULNESS IS A CHOICE

Hello everyone,

Everybody wants to be happy, right?  Since a thankful  heart is a prerequisite to a happy heart, it would certainly be in our best interest to investigate all we can concerning being  thankful.  I must say the most compelling advocate for thankfulness is that it's God's will for every believer.   And Oh, the benefits of walking in obedience to God's will... 

Which brings us to the truth that thankfulness is a choice of obedience, that has wonderful benefits.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul says we are to BE THANKFUL IN EVERYTHING. That phrase, in the Greek language, means IN EVERY DETAIL, or even IN THE SMALLEST WAY.  In his book  Sparkling Gems 2, Rick Renner refers to one translation that says, "In every circumstance, be thankful..."

You may feel that the circumstances you are facing could be far more pleasant than they currently appear.  Quite honestly, I'm pretty sure we all have difficulties in our lives we would rather go without having to encounter.  Didn't Jesus teach us that dangerous, perilous times would become increasingly common place in the world around us too?  Frankly, being grateful in challenging circumstances, is probably the last thing on anybody's mind.   That's why it's important to note, the Word doesn't say to be thankful FOR the circumstances, it says be thankful IN them. That means, don't accept any trial as being something you were meant to endure, as though it is your 'lot' in life. That kind of thinking contradicts  the Word.  Scripture teaches us to have faith to receive the promises of God and move the mountains in our lives.  Many people misinterpret Paul's words, when he says he has learnt to be content in all circumstances.  He wasn't settling for the lack or hard times, he was making a choice, that while he faced those challenges, he would keep up his faith and not complain or fear, but rather believe the promises of God until they become his reality.

Paul's advice was, that while we are experiencing unpleasant circumstances, we must CHOOSE TO TURN OUR EYES TOWARDS THE GOOD in our lives, AND AWAY FROM the things that try to bring DISCOURAGEMENT.  Keeping our focus on the negativity only steals our peace and quenches our joy.

That doesn't mean choosing to live in a state of denial, hoping the problems will just go away if we ignore them long enough.  No, that would also contradict the Word.  The Bible is full of powerful teachings on how to pray effective, faith filled prayers, with the expectation of seeing our circumstances change.

Rather, choosing to be thankful, is a simple act of obedience.  After we decide to lay our burdens at the feet of Jesus, and prayerfully consult His wisdom concerning them, we choose to FOCUS on what is good in our lives, and not fret or worry. Thankfulness is that ATTITUDE that keeps us walking in peaceful expectancy, while God's Word goes to work in our lives.  When it comes to experiencing VICTORY in this life, an ATTITUDE of GRATEFULNESS is exactly what EMPOWERS our FAITH to believe and receive what the Lord has promised us in His Word, concerning every circumstance.

In the next letter, I'll share about the supernatural power that is released in our lives when we choose to be thankful!  Look out for it, I know it will be a blessing to you.

Love Jenny

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