Giving thanks to God reflects an inner attitude of the heart. The Bible says in our verse, “make a joyful noise unto the Lord,…” Thankful people are joyful people. Joy is the outgrowth of a thankful heart.
Happiness depends upon happenings. When all goes well, we are happy, and when they don’t, our happiness disappears.
But joy can be ours as long as we are thankful, and there is always something to be thankful for.
The hymn writer Johnson Oatman Jr. said it this way: “When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost. Count your many blessings, name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.”
We live in a world where we are constantly tossed and driven with problems and trials. Yet, God is blessing each and every day. Sometimes, we look at the decay, the crime, and problems of society and fail to give God thanks for the good things He is doing.
Our challenge today is to get our eyes off of the trails and begin to count our blessings. When we recognize the goodness of God at work in our lives and learn to be thankful, the burdens of our heart grow lighter and joy will strengthen and encourage us.
There are few things more magical than dreaming of exchanging vows amidst the breathtaking scenery…