Gratitude Overflowing

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. What a special holiday when we come together with our families for a Thanksgiving meal and a great time of bonding. This year may be different, though, because of COVID-19 restrictions. Travel may be out of the question and gathering with family and friends could be unwise. Very tough decisions may be necessary in order to keep our loved ones and ourselves safe. This is so disappointing. How do we overcome the sadness of not being able to see family and friends? By being grateful!

We simply need to go back to the reason we celebrate this holiday: to be thankful for what we have and to celebrate the blessings the Lord has showered on us. When we are grateful, we can look into the future with thanksgiving and with faith for a brighter day. Seems contrary, I know, but we can overcome sadness and disappointment with gratitude. It is the very thing that will bring peace and joy to our hearts, even in the midst of a crisis or a pandemic.

We always pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In these times we look for revival in our churches, our homes and in our nation. If you join us in the weekly Unite 714 prayers, we are earnestly seeking the Father for His grace and for the overflowing of His Presence. And that is good. But do we ever think about giving Him something in return? What if we showered Him with gratitude and thanksgiving overflowing and running over?

When our praise and thanksgiving go up, blessings come down. There is something about being grateful that brings a sense of peace and well being. Right about now, we could all use some of that. The enemy tells us that because of our trials and problems, we can’t possibly be joyful enough to thank the Lord for even the smallest of things. Take your ability to breathe with ease every day. Those suffering from COVID would love to be able to breathe right now.

Clear your mind for a moment. Think about what Jesus has done for you. What did He keep you from falling into? How did He protect you and your family today? What has He provided for you so that you can bow down humbly before Him with gratitude? Shower Him with your thanksgiving and your praise and let it pour out over Him and overflow. Let your gratitude overwhelm the fear or disappointment you face. Let it flow up to heaven until Jesus’s cup overflows with your love.

Your gratitude will turn your sorrow into joy. Listen as Jesus pours out HIs heart to you because you took the time to show Him how much He means to you. He deserves it and even more. Don’t let your disappointments overshadow the gratitude in your heart. Praise Him whether you feel like it or not. You will be glad you did.

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who has made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100

Prayer

Lord,
This is the day that the You have made; I will rejoice and be glad in it. I give thanks to You, for You are good, for Your steadfast love endures forever! I will come into Your presence with thanksgiving; I will make a joyful noise to You with songs of praise! You are my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in You, and You help me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise You. Amen!
 
Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash