Thankful

We have much for which to be thankful. There is no doubt of that. Our lives, our health, our Spiritual blessings for being in God’s family could start a long list of things for which to be thankful.

But often we are not. Sometimes it is because we do not understand how blessed we are. But other times it is because of our focus. We focus more on what we want and are not experiencing than all the riches we already have. For us in the U.S.A. it is partly a cultural thing. We are not trained to think about what we have but how much better our lives would be if we had that next thing.

I believe in expecting good to come to us. That is “covenant” thinking. But to be so focused on lack, or blessings to come, more than appreciation of God’s goodness in our lives is not helpful and can lead to bad attitudes towards our lives and towards God.

Back in 1987 I was struggling with having a right attitude. I was believing for things not yet seen. The Lord encouraged me by saying this. I pray it encourages you.

“As the Children of Israel received my promises regarding their inheritance, so you have received my promises. And like the Children of Israel there has been a period of experience, called wilderness between my promise and your promised land.

Be of good cheer! My Word does not return to me void. It accomplishes that which I have sent it to do. And I have sent good things for you. Don’t you know, my love is big towards you? And nothing can separate you from my love.

Forget not that, although your promised land, your answer seems far off, I AM nearby. I am with you…here to hold you in the arms of my love.

The Children of Israel forgot that the glory of the Lord was always before them, that my love was ever towards them and my presence with them was more valuable than their comfort, even than their promised land.

Don’t be like the Children of Israel. Snuggle up to me, your Abba Father, and trust me, especially in your wilderness. Rejoice that I AM with you and that my love surrounds you.

You can have My Glory in your wilderness.”