"Joy is rooted in gratitude." That beginning of a sentence from our "God With Us" Christmas devotional nudged my heart last week. What a concept! Joy is based in gratitude.
If I am grateful then I am not complaining and frustrated. If I am grateful then I will be at peace. Peace brings contentment, contentment brings joy. So simple, right? But we all know it's not so simple to apply. LOL
Ephesians 5:20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thessalonians 5:18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
I believe the Lord is leading me, and you too to a new level of gratitude. One that looks and trusts beyond the visible and sees the love and kindness of our Father's heart no matter what the world around us looks like and says. A gratitude that goes past our feelings to our faith in His mercy, wisdom and love. This gratitude will begin to fill us with a joy that will be evident for all to see, and a peace permeates our hearts and minds.
It's amazing what God can bring out of one little phrase or sentence. I'm always in awe of these moments He uses to guide us along His path.
Lord, help me and all of us to practice gratitude. It's such an important and integral part of a Christian's walk through the darkness of this world. Let it light up our lives with joy that points to You. In Jesus' Joyful Name. Amen.
Try memorizing these two verses today.
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