What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?
I’ve seen this question posted over and over on social media, and I find myself referencing it as I say my morning prayers. “Lord, thank you for waking me up this morning. Thank you for my health. Thank you for my family and friends…” Then, I immediately unload all of my issues on him. “God, I need a career change. I need more money, a bigger car, a new phone, etc.” They do say you should give it all to God, right? While there’s nothing wrong with making our requests known unto him, we’re supposed to do it with thanksgiving. (Phillipains 4:6)
I have realized that although I start my prayers off by thanking God for certain things, I never thank him for the things I am unhappy with. I know you may be thinking, “Why would you thank God for something you’re complaining about?”. My answer is simply, because I’m blessed to have something to complain about. While I might not be content with my job, have all of the money I need, or some of the things I desire, there’s always someone who has it worse than I do. Someone who is reading this right now doesn’t have a job, money, or a car to nag about. Therefore, I have much to be grateful for.
So, I decided to switch up my prayer and put a praise on it. “Lord thank you for my job! Thank you for this car that gets me to my job and the money I make to help support my family. It’s my prayer that you’ll bless me with increase in all of these areas, but even if you don’t, I’m grateful for it all.” Not only does that “sound” better. It actually makes me feel better. Instead of looking at my circumstances and being disappointed or depressed, I now feel peaceful and hopeful. My faith in God is increased, and I’m excited about what he’s going to do in those areas of my life.
What are you unsatisfied with in your life? Before complaining about it to anyone who will listen, I encourage you to praise God for it first. I promise it will change your perspective.
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