Be Thankful For What You Have

Be Thankful For What You Have

Relationships are hard. It’s like a full-time work and as such must be seen and treated like one.

Colossians 3:15 (CEV) Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.

If you are reading this, there are literally millions of people who would trade places with you. They envy you and would be very grateful to enjoy all that you do.

Usually the more someone has the less thankful they become.

So how can you overcome ingratitude? Only by changing your beliefs. As long as you believe you're getting a raw deal, or less than you deserve, you will never become a thankful person. Know this fully well that our beliefs construct our internal world and how we view them. They are based on what we have experienced and what we perceive to be true. We all behave as if our beliefs were true and that is what gives us direction.

An attitude of gratitude is the result of what we focus on. As you and I are essentially infinite choice makers. In every moment of our existence, we are in that field of all possibilities where we have access to infinity of choices. Ephesians 5:1-2

Remember, you deserved punishment. Instead, God gave you what He deserved, and EVERYTHING you have -- every breath -- is a gift. Keep this in focus and you will become a thankful person. Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things.

A fundamental and undeniable truth is that a thankful person is a happy person.

Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.

"What could be greater? Almighty God promises to always take care of you! Never will you be forsaken! Never will you be left facing life all alone! (You may feel forsaken, but it's a lie.)

A rewarding, satisfying, and fulfilling life does not depend on being rich. Jesus is the one who told us, and He knows. Thank Him for the benefits He loads you with every day and great is His faithfulness. They may seem insignificant, but they are real. Acknowledge them, be grateful to what you have and then act on whatever opportunities come up. Pay attention to the coincidences in your life, as they will show you the way.

Luke 12:15 (LB) Beware! Don't always be wishing for what you don't have. For real life and real living are not related to how rich we are."