As I started believing God's promises, looking for HIS beauty around me ~ and less at my problems ~ I became grateful for the colors in the sky, a sun rise/sun set; the fragrance and color of flowers; the sound of birds chirping; wind blowing; and grateful to be able to take a deep breath of fresh air! Then, I realized how grateful I was for the roof over my head; a bed to sleep in; hot water in the shower and food to eat!! And, I began noticing a smile or a helpful hand. In reality, as I drew nearer to God, trusting HIM, my focus changed and I could recognize that HIS desires for me are for wholeness, peace, joy, and HE gave me HOPE again. And for that, I was GRATEFUL ~ as I noted them all in my journal.
And, as the years have past, I even became grateful for all that I learned through my bad choices/mistakes. I am grateful that God can use everything for good! My testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness can help me connect in a very real way with others who are walking through challenges right now, giving them HOPE In Christ!
Yes, I am Grateful that ~
~ Jesus died on the cross for ME and YOU giving us eternal life;
~ HE taught me to forgive as HE forgives me;
~ HE taught me to love because HE first loved me;
~ HE teaches me to surrender ALL to HIM ~ every day;
~ God walks me through ALL things I face as I seek HIM;
~ HE promised me a future that is better, according to HIS plans and purpose;
~ His healing of my sorrow/grief can allow me to extend His love and HOPE to others ~ for HE is such a faithful and loving God!
I don’t know the challenges you face today! BUT, I know GOD knows every detail and will walk you through them as you ask HIM for HIS wisdom, HIS strength, HIS love, peace and joy! HE is with you, around you and for that you can be eternally GRATEFUL.
Michelle, From the Heart, http://fromtheheartlifecoach.com/
Resources:
Psalm 95:1-3 “O COME, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation! Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” (amplified)
Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” (amplified)
2 Corinthians 8:9 “For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favor and spiritual blessing), [in] that though He was [so very] rich, yet for your sakes He became [so very] poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied).” (amplified)
Isaiah 30:18 “And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!” (amplified)
1 Corinthians 8:3 “But if one loves God truly [with affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, and grateful recognition of His blessing], he is known by God [recognized as worthy of His intimacy and love, and he is owned by Him].” (amplified)
Romans 5:1-6: “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.” (NLT)
1 John 4:19 “We love Him, because He first loved us.” (amplified)
Romans 15:13 “May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.” (amplified)
