Day eight

It can seem foreign, even artificial, to express gratitude in the midst of need. How can one honestly express gratitude when struggling? It is not a natural attitude many people adopt these days when things are going well, even less when we are in hard times.  
And yet there is something about it. Intentional gratitude is a key towards receiving God’s peace. 
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 
Philippians 4:6-7 
Stepping towards gratitude in difficult times can require intentionality. Start with being thankful for the simple things, a meal, a warm blanket, a kind smile and clothing to wear. Thankfulness then moves simply to seeing anything good as gifts from God our Father.  It then picks up momentum as it grows into thankfulness for being in relationship with God, receiving His forgiveness and the gift of Jesus coming as a baby to live with us, and eventually offer himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.  
Thankfulness does not ignore difficulties, but it broadens our focus, reminds us of the bigger picture, of God’s faithfulness and invites our heavenly Father’s presence into our situation.  
It is incredibly hard to maintain anxiety while also being thankful. And we focus on being thankful to God, while also expressing our needs, we position ourselves to receive HIs peace. In the midst of our circumstances. A peace we do not have to fake or live in unreality to maintain. One that comes from focusing on being grateful for the goodness and presence of God.  

Father, thank you for the blessings that come from Your hand. Thank you for sending Your Son to die for me. I choose to give you my problems and thank you for Your love and presence in my life.