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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” 

Philippians 4:6 ESV 

 

Thanksgiving can turn your world upside down—in a good way!   

 

In a world of comparison and constant advertising, it’s easy to become discontent.  At one point, I worked with others whom I would hear talk about their homes; and at the same time, I was watching HGTV—regularly.  I realized that I was constantly wanting to change my home.  It wasn’t really happening like I wanted it to so that just made matters worse.  After I left that place of employment, I still was discontent with the fact that I wanted —“needed” to travel!  I was thinking and planning and trying to figure out ways to get here and there.  Finally, God revealed to me my state of discontentment.   

 

To be discontent means to have a “restless desire or craving for something one does not have” (Dictionary.com).  That’s where I was.   

 

Once God opened my eyes to this, I don’t remember the exact process, but I am sure that I repented.  Then I began looking at my home, etc. through the lens of thanksgiving.  It changed everything. 

 

We shouldn’t compare. I agree, but when we do, it is usually to someone who has something, is something, or looks like something we desire.  Or, sometimes, it might be to make ourselves feel better if we compare in the opposite manner.  For this situation, it is to see just how blessed we are… 

 

My home is not huge and fancy, or even up to date; however, if I do take a peek at so many around the world, I realize that it is more than sufficient.  I am thankful—and I now love it!  Sure, there are some upgrades that I still want to do; and some upgrades are needed more than just a simple desire, but the whole attitude around these changes is vastly different than before. 

 

The heart of thanksgiving is alive and joyful.  It focuses on blessings and good rather than the negative and all that’s wrong in the world and in our individual lives.  The New Living Translation of the above scripture says it this way: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God..”  Philippians 4:6 ESV 

 

Don’t be anxious. 

Don’t worry. 

But instead— 

Bring everything to the Lord in prayer.   

Tell Him what you need. 

Thank Him for all He has done. 

 

He has done great things.  So, thanking Him for the provision of a savior to take away our sins and make a way that we could come boldly to His throne in prayer and be our means provided to make it to Heaven for eternity is the perfect place to start.  In addition, He has provided us far above our needs.  We do not want to fail to communicate our gratitude…name them out to Him…throughout the day—every day!  Here is a jump start: 

 

“Thank you, Father… 

I woke up today…feeling good! 

For that first sip of tasty coffee. 

I have a warm bed and a warm home. 

I have a pillow to lay my head on. 

For my family and all of the memories from a great life you’ve given me. 

For changing me. 

That I can come to the throne boldly. 

For loving me. 

That I have a choice of what clothes to wear. 

For the abundance of food that you have provided. 

That we live in a free country. 

For helping me merge into the traffic easily! 

For a good day.” 

 

The list could go on and on…because when we begin to look around and see all of the little details, we can celebrate practically moment by moment with thanksgiving for His many blessings. 

 

The verses surrounding the scripture above…they are life-changers and can help get your heart focused on thanksgiving—daily. 

 

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” 

Philippians 4:4-9, ESV.