Check the View
Shepherd's Fire
Check the View
Scripture (NKJV)
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Sometimes We Forget to Look Up
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to become focused on the obstacle right in front of you?
When you're crawling a difficult trail, your attention naturally goes to:
the rocks
the ruts
the drop-offs
the problems
That's necessary, but if all you ever look at is the obstacle, you'll miss the incredible view surrounding you.
Life can become the same way.
We become consumed by:
bills
schedules
stress
uncertainty
disappointments
And before long, all we can see are the problems.
Gratitude Changes Perspective
Paul writes:
"In everything give thanks..."
Notice what he doesn't say.
He doesn't say:
"Give thanks for everything."
He says:
"In everything give thanks."
There's a difference.
God isn't asking us to pretend difficult things are good.
He's asking us to recognize His goodness even while walking through difficult things.
Blessings We Stop Seeing
One of the greatest dangers in the Christian life is becoming familiar with God's blessings.
We begin to expect what once amazed us.
The breath in our lungs.
The family around our table.
The Bible sitting on our shelf.
The grace we've received through Jesus Christ.
Things that should move us to gratitude become things we barely notice.
The View Is Still There
On the trail, there are times when the obstacle requires your full attention.
But eventually you crest the hill.
You stop.
You step out.
And suddenly you see what was there all along.
The mountains.
The valleys.
The beauty of God's creation.
Gratitude works the same way.
It lifts our eyes beyond the immediate struggle and reminds us of God's faithfulness.
Thankfulness Builds Trust
The more we remember what God has done...
The easier it becomes to trust Him with what He is doing now.
Thankfulness reminds us:
God has provided before.
God has guided before.
God has carried us before.
And He will do it again.
This Week's Challenge
Take five minutes this week and make a list.
Not of your problems.
Of your blessings.
Write down ten things God has given you that you often take for granted.
Then thank Him for each one.
You may discover your perspective begins to change.
Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for Your faithfulness in every season.
Forgive me for the times I become so focused on my problems that I forget Your blessings.
Help me lift my eyes and see Your goodness all around me.
Give me a grateful heart that trusts You in every circumstance.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Shepherd's Fire
A Ministry of Off Grid With God
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)
