Abide in Thankfulness

Recently, I tried in prayer to only give thanks to God and ask for nothing.  Quite quickly, I realized how complicated thankfulness really is!  After my third mistake of turning thanksgiving into asking, I started to laugh.  My mind pictured Jesus and I laughing together on this one.  My heart was there, truly.  But, with the news of a devastating diagnosis for a friend, concern for a family member, and the gaping whole of loss in my own life, my sincere mission to end my day praising God for Who He is, ended in desperate pleas for help.  I know our Father understands and asking for help is what we are supposed to do. Still, why the struggle to remain focused on thankfulness?

Generally, thankfulness raises my expectations.  In contrast, dwelling on difficulties diminishes my hopes.  Often, I find it hard to stay thankful when the challenges of a day, the weariness of an important relationship needs attention, a reminder of loss raises its ugly head, or a valid need gives me much to think about.  My mind wanders upon the comfortable ground of self pity, and the result?  Sometimes complete despair. At the least, a separation from faith-filled joy and peace. 

I don't want to live as a bottom dweller, dashing my hopes and dreams for God's purposes for me and others upon the bedrock of disappointment.  My thoughts matter and if unbridled, I live in diminished hope.  And, most often, while living low, thankfulness resides on a distant horizon.

But, haven't you experienced this?  When a new day is dawning and the birds are singing, thankfulness rolls off the tip of your tongue?  It reminisces over our heads all day long.  How then do we remain on the mountaintop of thankfulness amidst the earthly problems we live with, day in and day out?

"A thankful mindset does not entail a denial of reality with its plethora of problems.  Instead, it rejoices in me, your Savior, in the midst of trials and tribulations."  An excerpt from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

I find that when I am thankful for the beauty of my relationship with Jesus, life's lows aren't so important.  Jesus is lifted up in my heart and mind.  Reminded of my true purpose, I can sing, rejoice, and live on a higher plain.  Jesus becomes grand and troubles shrink.  Hope is renewed, restored, and resounding.  Thankfulness raises my expectations for me and for others.

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."  2 Colossians 2:6-7

Living our lives in Jesus, being grounded and growing in him, strengthening our faith, not only remaining thankful but overflowing with thankfulness, we gain a greater understanding of what it is to live for and because of Christ.  Troubles will still come our way, but we remain constant, steady, strong in Jesus.  Thankfulness roots deeper in our souls and reveals consistent growth.  

A great life goal would be to abide in thankfulness.  Just think of the possibilities!  An eternally lifted heart, thankfully proclaiming the magnificence of Christ in your life.  I want that.  I need that.