You may recognize this photo. I had this made into a canvas print a few months back and have shared it twice on my blog. It hangs on my living room wall reminding me to give thanks to God each day. It has worked for me! Each night before I go to sleep I ask myself, “What am I thankful for?“

Well, the other night I asked God, “Why is it important for me to give thanks?” He helped me understand how it helps me keep my eyes on him. How it helps me see past those things that look hard or bad, reminding me he is still there, walking with me through to something better.

Let’s take a look at a couple of scriptures.

Celebrate always, pray constantly, and give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. (This is God’s will for all of you in Jesus the Anointed.)

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (VOICE)

This one is pretty straightforward. No matter what the circumstances, God wants us (his will for us is,) to give thanks. I think it is important to distinguish that we give thanks to God. Whether the circumstances are good or bad, our focus is directed toward God.

Let’s look at the next one.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:6-8 (NLT)

We worry when we look away from God. Giving thanks brings our attention back to what he has done. And praying gives us the opportunity to communicate with God, acting like a vehicle that takes us from point A) worry to point B) thankfulness. From concern to peace and from confusion to truth.

Looking at verse 8, we are encouraged to fix our thoughts on good things, not because we need some religious positive thinking, but because these are the movements of God in our life. This is where we see his handiwork.

Life is not always a bed of roses, but we are encouraged to stop and smell the roses. Whatever your circumstance, I know God wants to show up for you and reveal his goodness and love. If you find thankfulness in your heart, you will find your heart soaring above it all.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy