Thanksgiving helps us keep our zeal and spiritual fervor. Fervor means intense and passionate feeling. Without thanksgiving we may not be able to keep up our zeal and fervor. In order to have zeal we must have great energy and enthusiasm. When we do not have energy and strong feelings for something it is almost impossible to continue in that thing. With thanksgiving we renew our zeal and fervor. Leading with a heart of gratitude helps keep our perspective on joy, hope and patience. Without thankfulness we can fall into the grips of resentment, anger, confusion and a myriad of other emotions that would keep us from being faithful. Thankfulness is what keeps us reaching out to others. It shapes our hearts to be like God’s, always leading with love through hospitality.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Romans 12:11-13 NIV
Through thanksgiving we are able to continue doing good and not become weary. When gratitude prevails over our outlook we cannot help but look for the positive in all we face. Our life circumstances can seem dire and frustrating at times, but they are all opportunities. The opportunity is to do good and allow the situation to train our hearts to find the lesson God is training us in. This is how we are refined to be able to continually do good. It is when we do good at all times that we can trust a harvest will be gained.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatians 6:9-10 NIV
A Story of Thankfulness Growing Faith:
I used to see everything I did as a means to an end. I would also not do things if I did not see the benefit for myself. It was a very stressful and unfulfilling way to live. I would stress about literally everything, most of all money.
When I finally started to surrender my feelings of fear and resentment for not being where I thought I was supposed to be, I was able to embrace more gratitude for what I had. Beginning to practice gratitude daily became a priority. It completely changed the way I approached everything.
Today I see frustrating situations and I pause. I used to jump right to anger and annoyance. Now I breathe and take a moment to let the frustration go. I start to look for what God is stretching me to be better at. It always starts with surrender and recognizing what I have and all that is, is because of Him. That realization and the mindset of gratitude takes the pressure off whatever the outcome may be. I tune into God and He directs me.
- Anonymous
Strengthen the Christian Planner Family by sharing your experiences. We'd love to hear a story about God's work in your life. Use the form linked below to submit your story.
Considerations for your planner:
- How are you choosing thankfulness as your outlook today? Write it down.
- Do you see difficult circumstances as opportunities? Write down a difficult or frustrating situation you are facing. Could it be an opportunity to show more patience, surrender, or any other thing God has been working on your heart in.
