Beloved, we are all on a journey and mine is on the “dusty road with Jesus.” Daily, I am thankful and grateful. Each day we have a choice of being thankful and grateful no matter our circumstances.
On the dusty road where I live, we have many hummingbirds, red cardinals, yellow finch, woodpeckers, owls, and deer. My house faces a pasture, sometimes we have the cows, one Christmas morning, I had horses. Recently, the cows were moved, the hay grew, and it was harvested. One of my delights is watching the hay being cut. Another simple pleasure is feeding the hummingbirds. To foster thankfulness and gratitude, what brings you joy?
Bible Study
The word thankful is in the Bible five times. In Psalm 138, thankfulness is the theme. “I will give you thanks with all my heart.
I will sing your praise before the heavenly beings. Psalm 138:1.
In Ephesians 5:20 we read, “giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This can really be hard when you are going through a trial or illness. Recently, I asked you to pray as Social Security was asking for a significant amount of money for charges that incurred over twenty years ago. I had over 21 pages of single typed entries to defend. Well, your prayers were answered. We just received a letter and the case is resolved, we owe no money. I am so grateful.
The Apostle Paul writing the letter of Colossians says in Colossians 3:20, “And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.” As we read this verse, we are promised the peace of Christ. As we are thankful peace will rule our hearts. Where do you need peace today? Do you have an overactive toddler? Is there a struggle in your marriage? Is there more month than money? Perhaps, the doctor gave you news you were not expecting?
Before I retired from my first job, I had a time when my sweet friend, Ann, who would pray for me as I would go to work, I had been out on sick leave and when I returned, my work environment was hostile. Additionally, I still was not feeling well and suffering from anxiety. I had started looking for work which was an important step for me. I was willing to take a cut in pay and give up a title. Our prayer daily is that I would stay in the boat and not jump into the murky waters. Peter was impulsive and he got out of the boat as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus he could walk on the water. God gave me a new job! He gave me the peace that Colossians 3:20 talks about. Where do you need to trust God? Remember peace can rule your heart.
Poem
Here is another poem from my friend, Karen L. Clark.
Grateful, Thankful, Blessed
Karen L. Clark
I’m Grateful
Thankful and Blessed!
My heart fills with joy
My soul sings to God
My Heavenly Father
By my side
Is the One who provides.
Give your heart to Jesus
And you will surely know
His blessing that will flow
Your heart full of joy
Your soul full of songs
To praise him and thank him
All the day long.
Led by His Spirit
Filled with His love
Life takes a turn
A welcome from God
Into His Arms
He opens them wide
He will always provide.
Walking with God
Held in His Arms
Your heart full of love
You will Always and forever
Eternally Be
Grateful
Thankful, and Blessed.
Praise God.
Shared by permission of Karen L. Clark August 2024.
Summary
A song I used to sing, “Give thanks with a grateful heat, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks, because He has given Jesus Christ His son.” So many things to be thankful and grateful for–but more importantly, is it a way of life? Do you have a gratitude journal?
Father God, thank you for those reading this blog and for the words you have given me and Karen and the creativeness of Barbie. Thank you so much for the faithfulness of those that read your word. Would you be with the one who is sick, the one who is anxious and the one who is overwhelmed. May we always be thankful and grateful. In Jesus”s name. Amen
Today I am thankful for?
Shared by permission of Karen L. Clark August 2024.
