Thankfulness

True joy is seldom seen in life. Dragged down by the day-to-day cares and worries of this life we seem almost too busy complaining or expounding on how uncomfortable we are with life. You'd be surprised how blessed the world is these days. Not to say that there is not severe poverty and disease that afflicts many but if you could go back several centuries in time you would find a world much different from the one we live today.

It is true that we focus way too much on the negative and quite seldom do we speak of the positive nature of things. God does not want us to be that way. We must be content with what God has blessed us with; no matter how much or how little. Joy is a true key to igniting the power of God's word. He does not want us to worry about things and live in fear but He truly wants us to be happy and joyful.

Fear, depression, and anxiety are the weapons of the devil. As long as he can keep us strangled by such devices, doubt and pain are just around the corner and he has us right where he wants us. However, we were not made to be subject to the devil or his weapons but instead to be thankful before God for all his provision and blessings. Where ever you are in life, God is with you for Jesus said He would never leave or forsake us. Trust in him and know that the bible promises that good things come to those that love him. When was the last time you told God you loved him? Now might be a good time.

While you are there you might want to take time to tell him how truly grateful you are for everything he has done for you. Do it with sincerity. Remember, you can't wear masks when dealing with God. Joy is a choice. It is a by-product of faith. No true joy? Probably no faith either. Choose joy instead of murmuring and complaining and be thankful for all things. Even in the face of dire circumstance. A verse I love is the following.

Psalm 37:3-8

3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
       dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

 4 Delight yourself in the LORD
       and he will give you the desires of your heart.

 5 Commit your way to the LORD;
       trust in him and he will do this:

 6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
       the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

 7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
       do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
       when they carry out their wicked schemes.

 8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
       do not fret—it leads only to evil.