Gratitude

These are challenges for me: giving thanks in all circumstances…finding joy in all situations…staying in prayer continuously…finding the peace that overcomes anxiety.

But I know how important it is to keep working on it.

And thinking of that led to this:

“Gratitude”

I always think, “what might have been”,
When my long days come to an end,
I focus on things uncompleted,
And wonder why I feel defeated.

I sense the problem must be me,
Because the Lord has said clearly,
The way to change my attitude,
It always starts with gratitude.

Be grateful to the Lord who gives,
Each breath to us so we can live,
A life of purpose in His will,
With joy-filled thanks we can be still.

Be grateful for our God who cares,
Stays close to us no matter where,
We wander off, out on our own,
And turn to Him when we’re alone.

Be grateful to our God who hears,
When we call out in all our fears,
Then calms us with His loving touch,
Though we do not deserve it much.

He gives and cares and hears always,
And only asks we always stay,
In prayer, rejoicing, thankful for,
Grace undeserved forevermore.

I change my tune, as this day ends,
Thanks to the Lord, my joy transcends
All things that caused my hope to dim,
With gratitude, I worship Him.

***

It’s so hard to tune out the noise of the world or get outside my current needs and issues, but I think step 1 is in this passage – “pray continually”.  And then maybe step 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are in my action line on the photo – “praise, trust, release, receive, and rejoice”!

And it all starts with “pause”!

And do them all continually!

Not easy, but I’ll keep trying!

Stan