Many times we find ourselves amid a difficulty we didn’t ask for or expect. It’s at these times we need to take a moment and focus on God’s blessings in our lives. We often take for granted all God has given us. But when I do not have a grateful heart, I find less peace in my life.
Philippians 4:6-7 are familiar verses to many, but until my divorce I didn’t make the connection between having a thankful heart and peace. At the time, I longed for the perfect peace of God and found when I thanked God for all the things He had given me, His peace became my strength.
When I looked up the Greek words in this passage, the meaning became clearer. According to Strong’s Concordance it would say something like “Be careful or anxious for not even one thing; but on your journey by earnest prayer and requests with gratitude let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which is superior to all intellect shall guard your thoughts or feelings and perceptions through Christ Jesus.”
I find it comforting to know when I have an “attitude of gratitude” God brings peace to my heart even in difficult situations. He then guards my thoughts, feelings, and perceptions like a sentinel so I am not disturbed by erroneous thinking. How wonderful our God is to hedge us with His peace!
We can’t avoid the storms of life, but we can prepare for them by having grateful hearts and an attitude of prayer every day. I am thankful that when I focus on God and His goodness, He will give me His boundless supply of peace.
Happy Thanksgiving, my friends!
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