What Are You Counting?
We were having a discussion the other day, and Jim and I came to the conclusion that we need to be counting the right things. What I mean is that often we focus on what we have lost or feel we have missed out on instead of what we have been given. So, rather than counting our blessings we end up counting the losses or perceived losses. And as a result, we end up dissatisfied with life and discouraged- possibly even resentful toward God.
In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:18 (Amplified Bible, AMP)
Life is no bed of roses; we all know that. We live in a fallen world and we have to fight our flesh and the devil. However, if we choose to look at the good things in our lives instead of the hardships, we will be much happier. It is not possible to have the joy of the Lord when you are continually bemoaning what you did not get or what you had but lost. I don’t doubt you have been through some really rough things and have suffered some tough losses- we all have. But, it is in your best interest to turn your attention to the good that God has worked in your life.
If we have a roof over our heads and food on our table, we are blessed. If we have others to fellowship with, we are blessed. If we have family members, we are blessed. if we have a job to go to, we are blessed. Our blessings may differ from person to person but the list we could make of our blessings is endless. Air to breathe, clean water to drink, a bed to sleep in, sunshine to warm us, family, friends, eyes to see, ears to hear, electricity, etc., etc. Regardless of the issues we face, the United States is still the best place in the world to live and her citizens are blessed to live there. Yes, we have many things to count as blessings. Sadly, many of these things we see everyday and fail to acknowledge as blessings. We treat them as commonplace and ordinary.
Starting today, let’s commit to finding one thing to be grateful for each day and put our focus on that. As we shift our eyes from what we do not have and look at what we do have, we’ll view our lives in a new light. And our relationship with the Lord will go to a whole new level as we approach Him with a spirit of thanksgiving instead of self-pity and complaining.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all, and may we be thankful every day- in all things at all times.
