Mighty Warrior

OK everybody up! Rise and shine! Good Morning!
It’s Friday everyone …. and the countdown to the weekend begins.  I’ve been thinking a lot about friends who have lost jobs recently. I’m sure those friends were thankful for their jobs and went to work every day with an attitude of gratitude. God promises us in Philippians 4:19 that “God will supply all our needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God has convicted me many times about not living a thankfilled life. Last November our church marquee broadcasted the word Thanksliving.  That’s a perfect word to remember all year, not just on the third Thursday of November.  I’m heartbroken for people whose jobs are torn from them, thrusting them into the process of looking for a job while maintaining an attitude of gratefulness.  I pray they hold onto this promise in Deuteronomy 10:21 “He is the one you praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.”
Having an attitude of gratitude, practicing being thankful is a catalyst. It changes e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. It takes an act of the will be just be thankful, especially in those times (days, weeks, longer) that it seems like nothing favors you. Stuff happens, more goes wrong than goes right, our armor wears thin, and we wonder why do we have to count it all joy when we are as far from joy as we can get.  Here’s the formula to make it happen.  Psalm 5:11 “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”
We resist because its’ a struggle to dig down deep and find the tiniest flame of joy  when it’s easier to just let the freight train run over us. Stop!  Just stop it! We can turn that tiny flame into a symphony of light with just a little practice.  It’s easy to doubt, isn’t it?  Did you know you have an enemy of your soul and he wants to suck the joy right out of you? Let’s not let anyone or any circumstance steal our joy. The formula – it’s free and it’s easy. Grab a pen and grab a piece of paper.  In fact you might want a durable notebook because this could catch on – Ready? Think of one thing you are thankful for.  Just one. Write it down. There. #1 – done! Now here’s the next step and the next and sometimes they are tough but do it anyway.  Every time you think of something you’re thankful for – write it down. Use the same piece of paper. The writing tool doesn’t matter – but keep your list handy and as you think of something you’re thankful for, write it down.  I love this verse in Judges 6:12 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”
There will be times when the list seems like unnecessary clutter – but keep it anyway. At times when fear, sadness, and doubt start their invasion – Stop! Just Stop it! Go get THE LIST and start reading. This is what changes the gloom back to joy. The enemy can’t coexist with joy – can’t do it.  I don’t want to wait a month to list my blessings amd stoke the furnace on joy. So here goes.  I am thankful God doesn’t have mood swings. He is the same – all day, every day. He listens to me complain, He hears me when I call, and he shines His light so I can find my way.
Remember –  the Lord of your life is with you, mighty warrior.  Judges 6:12 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfGvXfe9LK8
 

Leave a Comment

Refining Grace