Did you know that gratitude can be used as a weapon?
You can be thankful even when everything around you seems to be falling apart.
Philippians 4:7 (Mirror): “And in this place of worship and gratitude you will witness how the peace of God within you echoes the awareness of your oneness in Christ Jesus beyond the reach of any thought than could possibly unsettle you.”
Just like the sentry guard secures a city, watching out in advance for the first signs of any possible threat, your deepest feelings and the tranquility of your thoughts are fully guarded there.
The byproduct of worship and gratitude is the peace of God. This peace is not measured by circumstances, nor does your peace fluctuate with circumstances. This peace is in the very fabric of your being. This peace surpasses reasoning and emotion. This peace is God Himself.
When we are in the place of worship and gratitude, our focus and attention is on our Heavenly Father. We have a choice as to where we put our focus. When our focus is on everything that is falling apart, the unsettling circumstances, things that might be out of our control, we have removed the guard that is in place to protect our emotions that keep us grounded in peace.
We usually lose our peace when our thoughts have not been guarded or when our focus is on everything else but the Lord. Once you realize that you are out of peace, think back as to where you left it. What did you start thinking about that began to unsettle you? Once you determine what you have allowed to cause unrest in your heart, give it to the Lord.
Begin to thank Him that He is a good father. You aren’t thanking Him for the circumstances. He didn’t cause the circumstances. You are thanking Him that He has already made a way of escape for you. Thank Him that He’s already looked ahead and made provision for you. Begin to declare the promises that are always yes and amen and thank Him that those promises are yours.
Guard your heart with gratitude!
We would love for you to join us at River of Life Church, located at 410 E. Chapman Rd. in Lutz, every Sunday at 10:30am and every Wednesday at 7:00pm. For more information, please visit www.roltampa.org.