SUNDAYS WITH JOYCE

 

THANKFULNESS

 

Ephesians 5:20,.... Give thanks always for all things unto God and the father in the name of the Lord jesus Christ;

Colossians 3:15 .... And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful

Psalm 30:12....To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent, O Lord my God, I will give thanks to thee for ever

Psalm 35:18....I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.

1 Thessalonians 5:18....In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you

Psalm 116:17....I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.

1 Chronicles 29:13....Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

Psalm 69:30....I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 75:1....We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 136:26....Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever

 

 

Everyday I'm Thankful,

by Heather Kemper, USA

 

Everyday I'm thankful
you came into my life.
The good days and the bad
the darkest and the bright.

No matter what has happened
it's been better because you're there.
For your love and understanding
no words can compare.

The gifts that you have given me
I never dreamed that I'd receive.
The strength I've always found in you
gave me hope when I couldn't believe.

Some days I know you question
your effect upon my life.
Trust in all I'm saying
it's been nothing but good and bright.

All my dreams and longings
came true because of you.
Without which I'd be lost
unsure of what to do.

So every day I'm thankful
for the love and hope you give.
You've given me the reason
to dream, to love, to live.

 

 

The word "thankful" is often thought of in the most basic sense: Being grateful for something you have. But all too often, when our turn comes to list the things we are thankful for, we merely rattle off lists we have memorized by heart and that we repeat every year without even thinking about it. Examples of items on such a list are family, friends, having a home, pets, and food. However, the term "thankful" has come to mean so much more.

No more does it simply mean being grateful for the bigger things--it also means being grateful for those moments where you want to lift up your hands and praise God for giving you something. The 'something' doesn't have to be a material possession--it can be the love of a friend, a beautiful sunset, the sound of rain upon a window, or the feeling you get when you accomplish a major goal.

Still, this does not mean that you should not be truly thankful for the bigger things, as well.

I challenge you to take time to think about everything, even the smallest things, that you are thankful for.