…with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6b
Step three to living a life of joy: Give Thanks in everything.
It has been said that the healthiest human emotion is gratitude. It does more good for your body physically than any other emotion. When you are thankful for what you have, you are more resistant to stress and less prone to illness.
People who are grateful are happy. People who are ungrateful are miserable and nothing can make them happy. They are never satisfied. You may know people like that.
Do like we do in our family, but maybe do it more often. We periodically make list of those things we are thankful for. It is usually surprising what makes the list. It’s most often stuff that is free!
The Bible says in
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances.” That’s a misunderstood and often misapplied verse. It does not say give thanks “FOR” all circumstances…but “IN” all circumstances.
I don’t have to be thankful that we are at war in Iraq. If tragedy comes to my family I don’t have to be thankful for the tragedy. If I can't pay my light bill, I'm not going to be thankful while I read by candlelight. If I find out I have cancer I’m not going to be thankful for the cancer.
What’s the difference in those little words for and in? In spite of the fact that we live in a world messed up by sin, you and I can always be thankful to God that He is still in control. God’s perspective is bigger than mine. His power will help me get through any trial or situation. He will have the final word and I can actually grow through the tough times of life. With those truths I can be thankful IN every circumstance.
Sometimes the only way to do this is not to look at those things that we don’t have, or things we wished we had, or even things we have lost, but to look at those things we do have. Most of us have been blessed more than we first recognize. Aren’t there some blessings in your life that you take for granted?
Having a thankful heart will fill you with joy!
For more of my thoughts, check out my personal blog at
http://www.ronedmondson.com where I write on issues such as marriage, parenting, church and leadership.
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Mustard Seed Ministry is reaching around the world with Biblical truths. The ministry is designed to spur the Christian from the smallest amount of faith, onto spiritual growth and maturity. This ministry goes places the church cannot enter. If you would like to support the work of this ministry, send contributions to Mustard Seed Ministry, PO Box 3698, Clarksville, TN 37043, or through Pay Pal (www.paypal.com) to
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I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end. 
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