Psalm 28:7

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”

Thankfulness…we spend the majority of the month of November considering the blessings we have in life…we express our thankfulness.

“Give thanks to the LORD for he is good, his love endures forever.” I Chronicles 16:34

Today, prior to church beginning, we each expressed our thankfulness. It is such a wonderful thing to think upon, to realize and to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives. That doesn’t mean that we don’t have things in our lives, challenges…but it does mean that we recognize that despite difficulties – we do have a lot to be thankful for.

The first thing I am thankful for is God’s love. 

I am so amazed to know that God loves me. Not only that, but that he desires a relationship with me. All I had to do was to recognize this, recognize my need and accept God’s love for me.

^” In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thessalonians 5:18

Whatever we encounter in life we know that there’s an overall plan – to one day be with God. He grants us this life with all it’s blessings. Sometimes we may go through difficulty, but there’s a promise that we’ll never be alone. No matter what, we can determine to be thankful for all things.

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:15

When we realize that God loves us, that all things do work together for good – we can have the peace of God. If we allow this peace to ‘rule in our hearts’ then can have confidence in God and trust Him. We can truly then give thanks.

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:17

Understanding the depth of God’s love for us, giving thanks for all things, and realizing the peace of God we then can answer the question, ‘how then shall we live’. We live daily, speak to all and in all that we do we choose to do those things that will honor God. My deepest desire is for God to be pleased and to honor him. I also wish for others to understand and to realize that God loves them. It’s such a joyous realization!

What else can we do? 

“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;” Colossians 4:2

We can devote ourselves to pray – to communicate with God our thanksgiving and to pray for others as to how we can be a blessing for them.

Don’t Let Trouble Trouble You

We all from time to time go through something… those we encounter may have or may be going through a difficulty – still…we can plant our feet firmly with the knowledge that God is in control.

” Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1

Believe in God? Do you believe in His Son Jesus…believing and understanding gives you peace and confidence.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6

So, whether you’ve gone through a difficult time, may be going through a difficult time – have confidence that God knows and He cares. Pray for all your requests – simply talk to God. There’s no special formula no special wording – speak from your heart.

Encourage one another knowing that each day is a gift – each day can be a blessing – each day can bring joy!

 ^“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” I Thessalonians 5:11

If you’ve been encouraged by these thoughts and words – share and encourage someone else – this is something Jesus encourages us to do.

Encouragement is an every day, every situation opportunity to be a blessing.