Gratitude For Who He Is

We give thanks to God not because of how we feel but because of who He is.

— Ann Voskamp —

 

Reflection

When we can thank Him in all situations for who He is and what He’s done and not because of how we feel…we will no longer allow our lives to be consumed by other people, places, situations, and things that are out of our control.

The apostle Paul is an excellent example of how humans can live this way.

A once ardent persecutor of Christ-followers converted to being known as THE most ardent Christ-follower of all time; Paul gives us a fantastic script to follow when things aren’t going the way we think they should. He wrote the following from his prison cell in Rome almost 2000 years ago.

Philippians 4:4-13

4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.[c]

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 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. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ,[d] who gives me strength.

… Did I say Paul wrote this from his prison cell?

Thanks be to God!

P.E.A.C.E.

Jay@EagleLaunch.com

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