Embrace the Word ~ November 2024 – Bold Thanks: Oh Give Thanks Week 4
Hello Friends,
We are entering week four of our Embrace the Word Study: Bold Thanks: Oh, Give Thanks! As we dive into God’s Word, may we be forever grateful for the life we receive!
(Link to the FREE Devotional Guide at the end of this email)
As Thanksgiving approaches and in the season of intentional gratitude (every season should be a season of intentional gratitude), there is always a heightened awareness of the needs around us. Often, our own needs are painfully obvious, and the provision God promises has yet to materialize. Thankfulness can be challenging in this season.
Yet 1 Thessalonians 5:18 gives us a directive, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Sometimes, you have to give thanks by faith. And yes, it requires faith to be thankful. If you’ve been around SS for any length of time, you know that Psalm 27:13 is one of my life verses! When life produces anxiety and when our lives seem far from what God has promised, we must cling to His faithfulness and anticipate His goodness. Even though David had his own struggles and challenges, he remained confident in the goodness of the Lord. He kept his faith forward, believing that he would experience God’s goodness on this side of Heaven.
“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” – Psalm 27:13
Like David, we must hold tightly to faith in God’s goodness even in dark times. His mercy is unending and His goodness never runs out. This is where intentionality is essential! We must make every effort not to be moved by what we see and not to be shaken by our situations. Instead, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! Confess His goodness daily. Count the many blessings in your life, and believe God for more!
We resist anxiety by being thankful and trusting God with our needs. We can take EVERYTHING to God in prayer, because we have a Father who answers. If we trust in His provision and timing, we don’t have to be filled with anxiety; instead, we can be filled with His peace. (See Phil. 4:6-7)
By faith, we should express gratitude not only for what the Lord has already done but also for what He will do in the future. Like David, we should anticipate His goodness. It is helpful to confess each day that God is good. And not only that but confess that He is good to you! When we trust His goodness and loving care, we can give thanks and praise God in advance for every blessing and answered prayer that is on its way!
This week, take time to thank God for His goodness, which is yet to be seen. Give thanks, by faith, for every promise, prayer, and hope you have placed in Jesus. Rejoice in thanksgiving because it will surely come to pass!
Have you joined the THANKS and GIVING challenge for November? It’s never too late to participate and start fostering a life of gratitude!
Download the Free Week 4 THANKS and GIVING Devotional Guide HERE! It includes the weekly challenges and a scriptural devotional entry for each day.
Did you miss week one? Get it HERE!
Did you miss week one? Get it HERE!
Did you miss week two? Get it here!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
Your friend in the journey,
Remember: The Word W.O.R.K.S. We are walking in Wholeness, Obedience, Righteousness, and Kingdom Success through the Word of God.