Discover Prayer Part VI
Have an Attitude of Gratitude

(SHARP): NAU Habakkuk 3:17 Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls, 18 Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
Point of View: When we appreciate what we've already been given, God will want to give us more.
Action Step: Continually give thanks to God for everything – no matter how small.
Benefit: You will live a life filled with the contentment that only God gives.

Key Point 1: In all things give thanks.

Subpoint 1.1: NAU 1 Thessalonians 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Subpoint 1.2: NAU Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Subpoint 1.3: God is not asking you to be thankful, but to give thanks. There's a difference between feeling thankful and giving thanks. One involves trusting our feelings, the other involves trusting God. While our feelings will mislead us, God won't. Sometimes we have to trust Him through difficult circumstances, recognizing that He is sovereign and in control. Even if we don't immediately see the fulfillment of His promise, it doesn't mean we won't see it fulfilled eventually.

Key Point 2: For all things give thanks.

Subpoint 2.1: NAU Ephesians 5:20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;

Subpoint 2.2: NAU Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;  2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.  3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints;  4 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

Subpoint 2.3: Thankfulness is to render gratitude, or express thanks for words spoken or actions taken on our behalf. In order to be thankful, however, we must be able to recognize the giver's favor, gifts or promises on our behalf. The Bible is filled with as many as 30,000 different promises from God to His children. Everyday we receive grace, favor, and the fulfillment of His promises — and yet these often go unnoticed.

Key Point 3: Changing an Ungrateful Heart

• Be humble and focused on God.
• Be thankful for everyday blessings.
• Spend time in the Word of God to learn His promises and how He plans to fulfill them in your life daily.
• Always thank God in the midst of adversity and trials.
• Record blessings in your Bible or a journal and continually reference them when you encounter difficulty.
• Express your gratitude publicly.
• Continue God's cycle by blessing others in the Spirit of Christ.

Repeat Point of View and Action Step. Benefit: Peace in the midst of adversity.