How Thanking God Strengthens Us...

Greetings, Dear Friends!

Susie Larson here...

And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way. Each month I give away a $10.00 Starbucks gift card to someone who posts on my blog. So leave a comment, share a story or insight, and just maybe you'll win a jolt of java for you and a friend! 

As most of you know, I have a radio show,Live the Promise with Susie Larson The program now airs 6 days a week! Join us every weekday from 2:30-3:00 CST, and on Saturdays from noon to one, KTIS AM 900, on the Faith Radio Network, or listen online at: www.faith900.com We've had some amazing guests and some powerful dialogue. Hope you can join us!

Also, I want you to have the inside scoop. Be sure to check my Facebook page for a heads up on my weekly giveaways (that way you'll know when to call for a book you may want). I'll also post daily questions and may read your comments on the air. Let's do this together! 

Now on to my topic...

In the last several days I've been in somewhat of a funk. I'm pretty sure it's because I'm tired, a tad behind on laundry, way behind on emails, and missing my cycle class. I like my groove, my routine, and the focus and purposefulness that comes with it. 

This is not a time of a crisis for me, but it might be for you. But one thing I know: whether we are in a time of abundance, a time of redundancy, or a time of barrenness, there is reason to thank the Living Lord, who daily intercedes and acts on our behalf. And truth be told, thanking Him, does more for us than we even know.

I notice something about myself. When my mood dulls, I only have to retrace my steps and follow my train of thought. At some point, I stepped off the path of gratitude and onto the path of ME. How things are affecting ME, how things feel to ME, how I need more time for ME. Lord, forgive me.

But when I pause and remember Who it is I serve, and love, and derive life from, then all falls back into alignment no matter what season I may be walking through at the time.

For me, these three phases of thanks put me right again. Maybe they'll do the same for you:

Thank Him for what He has done:

 When we pause long enough to look back, over our shoulder, to remember the ways God has come through for us, we will be reminded once again, that we serve a faithful God. Pause today, and pick out a few of your favorite memories of God's faithfulness. Think of them; make yourself smile at the thought of simple answers to pasts prayers. He is good, and He is for you.

Thank Him for what He is doing:

Look around you for evidences of His handiwork, because they are everywhere. You may not see your desired outcome in its fulfillment, but if you look carefully, you'll see movement, change, and proof that God is up to something in your midst. Thank Him; breathe fresh life into your prayers. Don't abandon the seeds of faith you planted sometime ago. Thank Him for the ways He is actively working today.

Thank Him for what He will do:

Since we cannot please God without faith, it's time to exercise some faith! Have you claimed any promises as of late? Scripture says that all of God's promises are YES, and AMEN! Are you believing God to apprehend your children? Or to revive your marriage? Or to restore your country? Thank Him today, by faith, for His very active role in the lives of those you love.

Thank the Lord for who He is and for what He will do, because the truth is, He has done, He is doing, and He will do great things!

Come and see what God has done; His awesome deeds toward the children of man (Psalm 66:5).

~Until Next Week

Comments

[Tauna]

I needed to hear this today. In the midst of struggles in this temporal world, it is easy to take your eyes off of an all knowing and long-suffering Father. He patiently waits for us to remember His love. Daddy, here I come running back into your embrace! I will ponder deeply the times when you moved on my behalf, and then I will rise to stand in this place with grace.

[Kathleen Martin]

Wow, this was so good. That is what I find myself doing. When I am down, discouraged, or too focused on my problems instead of the Problem Solver, than I need to be realigned. I need to be realigned with His truth, His love, His compassion, His awesomeness, my focus is in great need of a change. God has been whispering in my ear for the past few years about thankfulness. It is so important even though I feel so awful physically all the time and have so much to do and accomplish every day. He gives me the strength. I need to stop complaining and start being thankful, for past victories He has given me, present ones that He is working in, and future answered prayer. He is faithful:) And He is crazy in love with me:)

[angie]

Susie, you hit the spot today. I often feel that my mood is in direct proportion to the state of my home.If my house is clean and the laundry is done, I feel at peace. If my house is in chaos, I'm likely in a funk. At hearts at home, I heard you speak about chosing joy regardless of our circumstances and i think about this daily. I cleaned my whole house just a couple of days ago and you would never know it...had to do it again today. Guess what? I stepped off the path of gratitude. HOWEVER, in the midst of thinking that I'd rather be sipping a Pumpkin latte at starbucks, I was thankful that I HAVE a home to clean and the ability to do physically what is required of me to do the job. Thanks for keeping me on the path!

[Beck Gambill]

Once again you hit the mark (or Jesus did through you)! I've been so overwhelmed by life lately. Sometimes I think, "God, how much are you going to ask of me?!" Of course he asks for everything! Thanks for reminding us all that he is faithful and we have so much to be thankful for!

[Brooke]

This is so true! My family and I recently moved from Blaine, MN to the South; the new church we are attending has a weekly "praise & prayer" night. However, 90% of the time at each of these meetings is spent on PRAISE. It is so refreshing to spend more time focusing on all that God has done! This focus is evident throughout the church, even to how they welcome newcomers. I honestly have not felt so much joy and peace as I have in such and atmosphere of thanksgiving and praise. : )

[Susie Larson]

Dear Brooke,

I am so glad you found a church where you are nourished and feeling at home. And you are right, there is something SO powerful about praise and thanksgiving. The more I engage in gratitude and initiate thanksgiving the more joy I possess and the clearer my perspective is! God has been so good to us and He deserves our highest praise! Bless you, sister!

[Susie Larson]

Beck,

You always have the best perspective, even when life is hard. You seem to press in to find God no matter where life finds you. Trust me, God sees and notices, and there will be a day when you run with great spiritual endurance and you carry great things for God - all because of your faithfulness in those hidden places and seasons of life. Bless you, my sister.

[Susie Larson]

Angie,

Way to go! Way to fight through the tendency to be earthbound in your perspective (which is totally normal for anyone in your stage of life)! But the very fact that you so deeply want to view your life from God's perspective, is so very precious to God - and you WILL be found by Him. You are planting seeds that will reap a harvest in your life for years to come. Keep up the faith-walk. You're doing great! Blessings to you~

[Susie Larson]

Kathleen,

I'm so sorry to read that you feel awful physically much of the time. I truly related to that struggle and it does get old and wears on a person after a while. But you are so right, a grateful, praising heart is the very thing that will change our perspective and our posture. I believe it's even great for our physical well being. I pray God heals you through and through, but in the meantime, may you strongly sense His presence and His pleasure amidst your sacrifice of praise.

Bless you, sister.

[Susie Larson]

Tauna,

I can't really add to your beautiful words. Wonderfully said. Bless you, sister!