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Day 7: Turn to Him

Why do we wait to turn to God?  Why do we try to handle things ourselves?  I’m beyond grateful that my heart has started this incredible journey.  I’ll admit, I knew my heart needed an attitude change and I knew that only real change could come from turning to the Lord for His help, guidance, and peace.  It may have even been a bit selfish, wanting to be more joyful and to be a better version of myself.  With that, I feel that I have been selling this journey short in my mind and selling God short for the work He can do in a willing heart.

I had also forgotten how comforting turning to His word can be.  Not only am I convicted in areas of my life that I can do better, but I also am continually comforted by His promise of everlasting love and peace that only He can provide.  As I was reading various other devotions on gratefulness, I was in awe of several verses that spoke of God’s desire for us to #livewithagratefulheart.  One such passage comes from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

Did you catch that last part?  This is God’s will for you.  To give thanks.  To #livewithagratefulheart.  Wow.  How incredibly powerful and comforting.  We’ve learned of His commandments, we know to love one another and to give generously.  But to give thanks always?  And it be His will?  Life isn’t always joyful nor easy; but if we continually turn to the Lord and continue to praise Him for all we have and give thanks for all of it – We glorify His name and He brings us a peace that our human minds cannot begin to comprehend.  This devotion of peace and thankfulness is mentioned in a preceding book in the passage of Colossians 3:15-17: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful.”  The passage goes on to mention teaching with wisdom, singing praises with gratitude in your hearts (verse 16); and reminding us to give thanks in all we do.  From verse 15 thru 17, Paul mentions giving thanks three times – and thus reminds us to truly live with gratitude in our hearts in all possible situations.


I’m beyond thankful to have started this journey and am encouraged in my heart that God holds many promises to His children who devote themselves to living according to His will.  And now that I know His will is to #livewithagratefulheart #lent2017 #40daysgrateful
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