Celebrating Thanksgiving we are bombarded with the need to show gratefulness and thanksgiving to God for all that we have and all He has done for us. We thank God for our families, our jobs, our health, and all the things He has provided for us. Sometimes this thankfulness is increased when we go through a period of loss. We then stop taking for granted the simple things God has blessed us with and thank God for what we DO have instead of what we DON'T. But what truly is being grateful? What truly is being thankful for all we have?
Philippians 4:11-12
Not
that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever
circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I
also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I
have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having
abundance and suffering need.1. Contentment in any Situation. Just as Paul describes in this scripture , He was able to be content whether he was prosper or poor. Whether he had plenty or nothing at all. Why is that? Because he understood that all great things come from God and every situation is a blessing from God. That means finding contentment when you are single or married. Whether rich or poor. Whether in health or experiencing pain. Whether being in the job you desire or being in the job that is just making ends meet. Every situation has a lesson and a blessing.
2. Accepting God's Will. Sometimes what we desire is not necessarily the will of God and more so of our OWN will. We may not be where WE want to be but we are exactly where God wants us to be. Maybe your plan wasn't the best for you? Maybe that job or spouse you wanted aren't the best for you? Maybe God is trying to save you from yourself. Though it may be uncomfortable, it may be what is best for you right now.
Matthew 26:39 "Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
3. You are not here for yourself, but for others. When finding ourselves becoming ungrateful in what we have and where we are presently we tend to be focused on ourselves and what WE want, what WE need, and what WE don't have. We start to focus on our issues and ignore everything that is going on around us. You have to remember that we are here not for ourselves, but to bring Glory to God and to spread His love and Word with others. Maybe you are where you are not for yourselves, but for others? Maybe God has placed you exactly where you are to bless someone, to provide a need? Instead of focusing on your issues look around. How can you be blessing to someone else and provide what they are lacking?
As you sit around the table for Thanksgiving look around and look at all you have. Just simply the fact that you have a family and food to eat is a blessing it itself. To experience joy. To experience true happiness in your life. Be content. Contentment is the key to all joy and gratefullness.
Can you find contentment and joy in where God has placed you now?
