I realize that it has been 2 1/2 years since I have updated this blog. To be completely honest there have not been any new developments in my life. A shame, I know, but true. I have spent the past few days trying to re-evaluate this journey I am on and where it is that I am going. In doing so I am being reminded of how grateful I am to God for loving me and for calling me His own.
This Thursday we will be celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday. As a daughter of Christ I have so much to be thankful for all year long, but this time of year it seems to really come into focus for me what exactly it is that I am so thankful for. I just wanted to list several of those things. . .
Of course I'm so thankful for my wonderful husband, Joey, of 6 1/2 years
My fabulous family (I just wish I lived so much closer to them)
My in-laws (yes, I love them very much)
The time that God has given me to spend with loved ones (both old and young)
My health
My Job (and awesome co-workers who are seriously like family)
My friends (both near and far)
My beautiful home (with it's heating, air conditioning, and running water)
My car (which gets me everywhere I want to go)
Delicious meals (which I eat way too much of)
My closet full of clothes and shoes
My comfortable bed and pillow
I could keep going on with all the comforts in life that I sometimes think I couldn't live without (but I really could if I had to)
But the things that I sometimes forget to be thankful for are Christ's promises, and those are the things that I want to always remember and be thankful for. Just to name a few. . .
Jesus' promise of eternal life
John 3:16 (NLT)
16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
Jesus' promise that He will return for us.
John 14:2-3 (NLT)
2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.
God’s promise to finish the work He started in us.
Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
God’s promise of peace when we pray.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
God’s promise to supply all of our needs.
Philippians 4:19 (NLT)
19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
God’s promise in the Bible of salvation.
Ephesians 2:8 (NLT)
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
The promise that all things will work out for good.
Romans 8:2 (NLT)
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
God offers comfort to all
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT)
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
God’s promise of a new life in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
God’s promise that His love never fails.
1 Chronicles 16:34 (NLT)
34 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
God’s promise to heal a nation.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT)
14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
God’s promise that if you search for Him you will find Him.
Deuteronomy 4:29 (NLT)
29 But from there you will search again for the Lord your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.
After seeing this list of things that I am so thankful for it seems to make the trials in this life sort of melt away. There are days when I get so discouraged because my life is not going the way that I thought it would or should. These are the promises I can turn to and be reminded that God is in control and He has a plan for me. He is a good God and has saved me through His grace and mercy and love. And for that I am eternally greatful!
