November 24th – A Thankful Heart

Listening to the Holy Spirit:

You who are steadfast in joy and gladness, built of thankful praise, it is in you that I am seen by others. Hearts reflecting unflickering faith, reflect true trust in the God unseen – a leaping heart that does not waver with trial, constant in thanksgiving beyond circumstance or conflict. Holding fast to the peace within them, they endure many trials, carry much, and forgive many. Without question they follow the Spirit. In sun and rain they do not flinch. Their hand is offered to all; great and small do they serve the same. The smile of their eyes is genuine, and their promise sincere. Glory they give to their Father, and praise is always on their lips, for they trust the mind of God and believe His mighty ways. Rightly and earnestly do they seek their Savior attentively listening for His voicek, unwavering in faith and thanksgiving, steady in the Father’s love to all their Father brings them. Each dines with a grateful heart, and praises still in hunger and thirst, entering the day with uplifted heart, and peace at night is their reward. The heart is refreshed in praise, and the mind renewed in gladness, therefore, set your mind in gratefulness. Speak only of the wonderful, the faithfulness of God, then rest will fill your soul for speaking, and healing through your bones. Bring to others a light steady, and in that steady light; unfailing is your witness.

Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV) – You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

Psalm 50:23 (ESV) – The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) – Rejoice always,  pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Taking It to Work:

I have often considered why I like dogs better than cats, and I think it is biblical. Now, I know that might be disturbing some cat lovers out there, but bear with me. I’ve noticed this same logic applies to my children, and also most of my favorite people. There is a quality that they all possess which I find very pleasing, and that is: A thankful heart.

Now you may not have thought about it this way, but look at how God designed the average dog. They are so thankful. They’re thankful when you arrive home; the first one to meet you at the door. Thankful to go for a ride, thankful when you pet them, and thankful when you feed them that same exact dry dogfood everyday. They’re thankful when you let them in and when you let them out, take them on a walk, a run, or any other activity where you include them. I’m convinced, the reason we let those freeloaders live at our house without doing a lick of work, is because they know how to show appreciation, and that brings joy to our heart!

If you look at your favorite children, people you like to buy gifts for, and even your favorite charities, they will often be those who show appreciation for whatever it is you have done for them. This is part of our Father’s reflection in us. The steady, thankful heart is very pleasing to God, just like it is pleasing to everyone made in His image.

Those who live their life noticing and thanking God for His constant provision, His help, and His ongoing forgiveness and patience with them, these are the people who bring great joy to the Giver of all these good things. It is a good thing to bring joy to God’s heart. Like Ezra told the remnant of Israel, God’s joy is our strength.

Many of us have known other faithful, thankful men and women of God who seem to be unshakable in their strength. No matter what the circumstance, no matter what injustice they face, in sickness and in health, they never falter in their faith and are always seeing something in which to be thankful. What a testimony! What a testimony we would be, and what joy to the Father that would bring!

This Thanksgiving, let’s hit our knees in prayer, that we might start again to be that steady, thankful, unshakeable person God is calling us to be. Start by looking around and counting all in which you are blessed, and if that’s not enough…get a puppy! He’ll show you how to be thankful! As His Word works in you, today. Happy Thanksgiving!