How to be Happy, Part 3

Thanksgiving.

Last time we looked  at Philippians 4:4-8, and said that one of the keys to being happy in life  is keeping our focus on Him. Lets think about that scripture some more.

"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." Philippians 4:4-8, ESV

Today I wanted to share with you the importance  of being thankful in all things, of praying with thanksgiving, which requires  faith, but can be a tremendous peace-inducing discipline in your life.

The  scripture above says that in everything, by prayer and supplication, with  thanksgiving, we should let our requests be made known to God. Once this  is done, the peace of God will guard our hearts in Christ. Notice that  this particular verse does not mention whether God answered our prayer  in the way we want or not!!!

It is not a matter of how God answers a prayer,  it is a matter of trusting that whatever answer he gives us, it is the  best thing for us. Therefore, thanksgiving is in order.

It is also a matter  of being thankful for what He has already done for us and given to us.  He gave us his son at the cross, as if that were not enough, he continues  to give to us. He gives us comfort. He gives us the ability to work and  produce and income. He guides and protects us, even if it does not feel  like it. He heals us. And he will give us an eternal habitation without  pain and filled with unthinkable joy and peace!!!

I strive to always start  my prayers with the words "Thank You." This helps me focus on  the things that He has done for me. Additionally, when making requests  of Him, it helps me keep in mind that God will answer my prayer, and whatever  his answer may be, it will be in my best interests, because that is the  kind of God we serve, one that keeps our best interests in mind. It does  take faith to thank Him for something that He has yet to do, but that is  part of the beauty of trust. And thanking Him for the things He has yet  to do can help you develop a much deeper trust in Him, reliance on Him,  and deeper sense of peace.

How often do you thank God for the things that  you have? How often do you give these things for granted, complain to God  for the things that you do not have? How often do you give thanks for the  things that you DO NOT have (such a disease)?

Think about you habit  of thanksgiving until next time, when we will continue this series on How  to Be Happy!!!

Lets Grow Together!!!