It is not easy to be thankful with the state of the world, the state of the church and the state of the family today. Everything temporal, including the 24/7 news cycle, suggests the world is going to hell in a handbasket. But we know God is always at work. It was in pretty dire times that our Father sent His Son to testify to the Truth and plant the Church. The disciples and the Church have persevered in the face of persecution to be a testimony to Truth. And it continues today, that under the word of God the Church is in position to stand firm against worldly influences. We are to be thankful for where the Lord has us.
Tips to Be Thankful:
- Thank the Father daily for the blessings you enjoy, maybe even take for granted, and the grace that is Jesus the Christ in your life.
- Thank Him for the blessings you do not enjoy, the valleys, past and present in your life where He continually shapes you and teaches trust.
- Thank others the Lord has put into your life to encourage and equip you on this journey as a man, husband and father.
Be Thankful: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7. Paul admonishes the Church to live with a thanksgiving state of mind. As we are thankful in the good times and in the challenging times, the peace of God will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. Easier said than done but as men of Him, we are to lead the way being thankful for His word, for His Church and for the opportunity to be His representative where He has us.
Prayer guide: Lord, thank You for the many gifts and blessings in my life, may I never take them for granted. Strengthen me to always be thankful and embrace the peace that is my personal relationship with You. Guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus that I may lead by example with a thankful heart and guide my family well through anxious times in this world. Keep me grounded in Your Word and in Your love. Amen.
A faithful father is thankful through the peaks and valleys of life.
(Add your "Tips to be Thankful" via the comment link)
