Recall Your Blessings

 Like Pastor Dan said last Sunday as part of his sermon series on being a fearless Christian, specifically on how to recognize God's hand in our lives, he reminded us that the spiritual discipline of "recalling the blessings God has given us" is key.

Though a most appropriate message on Thanksgiving Day, recalling our blessings should be an exercise that we add to our daily spiritual workout.  It is not something we should do only once a year on a dedicated day.  It is something that we are called to do always:

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

We are called to give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever (1 Chronicles 16: 34) and as His love endures forever, so should our thanksgiving!

Therefore, let's adopt the practice of recalling our blessings daily...even if it is something seemingly simple and insignificance...all good gifts come from the Lord (James 1: 17).  Besides, there's another great benefit of having a grateful heart, like my devotional said:

"Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything.  There is an element of mystery in this transaction:  you give Me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you joy (regardless of your circumstances). 

Thankfulness opens your heart to My Presence and your mind to My thoughts.  You may still be in the same place, with the same set of circumstances, but it is as if a light has been switched on, enabling you to see from My perspective.  It is the Light of My Presence that removes the sting from adversity." (Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)

May this Thanksgiving Day be a strong reminder of our need to continually give thanks for all our blessings as we count them one by one. 

 'May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15: 13)