Heart of Thanks

The last little while I've been continually thankful to God. I don't even know how to express my gratitude. On the inside I feel so different that I barely recognize myself, but I know I'm still me because I still love all the same things...I think even that maybe I love them more.

So often I've had to chase after the things that I wanted, but for once I've actually had God hand me one of the deepest desires of my heart. I've done nothing to deserve it, but it's still been given to me. I feel like the last few days I've been experiencing this incredible relief from all the stress that I've been experiencing over the last year(s). I don't think I've ever felt so good for so long. Praise and thanks to Jesus!

Where Our Hope Is

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lamentations 3:21-24

Our hope is in the Lord. Any hope outside of God is a false hope. God is faithful to us even when we are not faithful to Him.

Stability

LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken. Psalms 15:1-5

Those that choose to be obedient to the Lord will be protected by Him. He will guard them and keep watch over them. He will give them the strength to make it through difficult circumstances and He will renew their strength. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Questions

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:7 NKJV

When I lay these questions before God I get no answer. But rather a special sort of "No answer." It is not a locked door. It is more of a silent, certainly not uncompassionate, gaze. As though He shook His head not in refusal but waiving the question. Like, "Peace, child; you don't understand." - C. S. Lewis

God has done so much.

1Ch 16:8 Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.

God has done in my life that I don't even know where to begin when giving thanks to Him. Recently I am most thankful for the strength that He has given me to get through hard times. He has been faithful to me and He has shown me His constant love for me. He has disciplined me, but He has done it in love.

God I thank you for Your discipline. You make me stronger and allow me to be filled with joy. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Persevere

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. --Galatians 6:9 NKJV

Be Thankful

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
- I Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV

We can thank God first...in every situation...Because every problem we encounter comes with His provision attached to it.God has a plan and a purpose for us. Not only that...but He works everything together for good for those who love Him.That promise is a deep well of provision for us to draw from. Whatever calamity life throws at us, God can use it for our blessing and our benefit. Think a little on that and you will see the goodness of God at work.
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."- Romans 8:28 NAS. It is that attribute of God's nature that makes it so critical for us to come to a place of thanksgiving. By entering into His presence in the midst of the problem, He can act on our behalf. Our heart may be all over the place, but there is a central place of truth where we can gather in the goodness of God.........................Time to trust.
By: gh