“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11
I have never been a ‘good sleeper,’ seldom sleeping for more than 4-5 hours at one time. I have tried various relaxation techniques, medicines, diet, exercise, etc., without a significant change.
I then read a book and the author discussed gratitude and specifically addressed sleep. The author’s suggestion was give thanks for the sleep achieved instead of focusing and worrying about the lack of sleep. This simple change of thanking God first thing for the things that I had instead of focusing on what I did not have changed the trajectory of my life. “Thank you, Father, for the 4 wonderful hours of sleep that you gifted me last night. I gratefully accept your gift of this rest. Amen.”
Gratitude is life energizing and thankfulness is wonderful submission to God’s best plan for our lives.
I seldom go shopping, surf online shopping sites, pay attention to new trucks (and there are some beauties that make my 2016 F250 “Henrietta” blush with envy). Megan just said to me the other day, “you have really lost your sense of style understanding when it comes to her clothes.” Thank you, Lord. I choose to not shop and seek because I find my ‘needs’ skyrocket as my exposure to stuff increases.
The ‘why’ I do this is quite simple. I choose a life of gratitude driven by contentment, thankful for all that I have. And I have mountains too much with little need for more.
I write this to encourage you to recognize and reject the wants that this World effectively markets as needs. Recognize that Black Friday has become a never-ending landslide of next needs while many are still working to pay off the last had-to-haves. Wake up and gratefully, purposefully, systematically give thanks for all that you have. Focus on being thankful what you have you will find that the desires of your heart change to outward living and giving.
For those will real need, and too many among us have real needs of food, shelter, healthcare, transportation, love, kindness, recognition, affirmation, identity; God hears your prayers, He knows your needs and he is doing a work to meet your needs. He has assigned you the identity of His beloved child and he meets our every need. He will meet your needs, seldom in ways we expect.
“For the Holy Spirit makes God’s fatherhood real to us as he whispers into our innermost being, “You are God’s beloved child!” Romans 8:16 TPT
So today, consider starting each day with a prayer of thanks that fights for you as you navigate the challenges of life. Take control of your mental state by living life gratefully, with contentment for what you have. Take control of your life by surrendering control of your life to the Maker of your and all life.
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” 1 Timothy 4:4-5
Give thanks. You’ve got this!