Have you ever realized just how discouraging it is to think about all the things you wish you had? Maybe it’s a new phone, more social media followers, a car, or a nicer wardrobe. Or perhaps it’s something like a happy family, a healthy relationship, or physical or mental health.
Focusing too much on what we don’t have often leads to further discontentment with what we do have and being envious of those who do have it. This robs us of our peace and happiness.
When we constantly focus on all the things we don’t have, we are disregarding the very things God has already blessed us with. Yet, many times, we are too busy trying to get the next thing we want or reach the next goal or milestone ahead of us that we neglect to appreciate what we have right now.
God will not take you higher or farther or bless you with more if you can’t appreciate what He has already given you.
Instead, choosing to be grateful for what you have, regardless of how much or how little, will not only glorify the One Who had blessed you with it, but will also increase your day-to-day happiness.
You may think, “But, Olivia, I really don’t have much to be thankful for. My life sucks!”
Did you wake up this morning? You did? Awesome! That means that you have lungs full of oxygen, a heart that is keeping you alive, and a brain that is functioning. That means that God has a purpose for you this very day. That means His mercies are new for another day.
It doesn’t matter if you have a large house, a small house, or no house. It doesn’t matter if your family isn’t in the best of circumstances. If you are alive right now, you can know for sure that our God has a wonderful plan for you – one of hope and prosperity (see Jeremiah 29:11). He will never leave you nor forsake you (see Hebrews 13:5). His grace is sufficient for you (see 1 Corinthians 12:9). He gives you unexplainable peace, inexpressible joy, and unconditional love.
Hebrews 13:5 says, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have…”
Thanksgiving isn’t just something we do once a year. It should be something we do on a daily basis.
“Counting My Blessings”
Christian artist Seph Schleuter wrote a beautiful song called “Counting My Blessings.” In the chorus, he sings,
God, I'm still counting my blessings
For all that You've done in my life
The more that I look in the details
The more of Your goodness I find
Father on this side of heaven
I know that I'll run out of time
But I will keep counting my blessings
Knowing I can't count that high
(You can find this song and more on The Remnant's Spotify playlists. I made a new one specifically for Thanksgiving! Check it out here!)
An evangelist once wrote, “It’s not happy people that are thankful; it’s thankful people who are happy.” First Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything, give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (NKJV).
So, whether you have plenty or whether you have little, give thanks. Whether you are on the mountaintops of life or in the valleys, give thanks. Whether you are full of joy or depressed, give thanks. First Thessalonians 5:18 doesn’t say to give thanks only when you get something you want or when life is good; it says “In everything, give thanks…”
Gratitude is not always a feeling. It’s a choice. A choice that will change your entire outlook on life. Will you choose to make gratitude your lifestyle?
Let’s do it together.
-Olivia
Liked this week's post? Be sure to leave a comment below and share this post with others! Subscribe to The Remnant's email list here so you never miss a post!
Love this article about being thankful, always. It's a great reminder :)