Could my lack of "thanks" be keeping me from experiencing joy?

Posted on Jul 31, 2012 by Amy

What if your lack of "thanks" is keeping you from having joy? What if your lack of "thankfulness" is what is holding you back from a miracle?

• In studying scripture, over and over again giving thanks to God precedes miracles. Two examples: Jesus gives God thanks before going to the cross (John 11:41). Thanks is given before five thousand people are fed (Mark 6:41).

• Likewise, it is the lack of thanks in people's lives that over and over again keep them from being a part of what God intends to bless them with. Two examples: Adam and Eve choosing to eat of the fruit that God forbade them to eat and the Israelites having to stay in the desert an extra 40 years. In both situations, hearts of ingratitude (non-thanksgiving) lead people to discontentment with where God has them.

• Don't let your heart become complacent or ungreatful. Thank God today for what He HAS given you. Give grace. Say grace. (Start with making a point to proclaim your "thankfulness" with meals.) When we say grace we are reminded of the grace we have already been given. Without thankful hearts that recognize Gods grace we will never notice where and when God is trying to bless us and bring us joy. Thank God for where He has you today because you know that He is good and He is working all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). He is perfect and His ways are perfect- say thanks.

Inspired by my reading, One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. Thanks Mom for giving me this great book!

"Thanksgiving is the evidence of our acceptance of whatever He gives." One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp

Additional Verses But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God. Psalm 50:23