‘Tis the season for writing out wishlists, filling the calendar, and stuffing our stomachs! Our to-do lists our longer than usual. At this time of year, we tend to spend more time thinking about we need, want, or plan on than usual.
Sometimes it’s refreshing and helpful to remember what we already have.
What We Have as God’s Children
- The Spirit
“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” –Romans 8:6
- God’s Own Word
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” –2 Timothy 3:16
- The Riches of Christ
“Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ.” –Ephesians 3:8
- A Place in God’s Kingdom
“Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?” –James 2:5
- Faith, Grace, Hope, and a Testimony
“Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” –Romans 5:2
Ideas for Thinking on God’s Good, Perfect Gifts
- A few years ago I heard someone on the radio say that when they found themselves dwelling on lists of hurts or worries, they tried to switch and think on a list of blessings from God.
- Memorize Scripture! God gives His Word to us as a good gift and we can never spend too much time learning from Him through it.
- Focus on someone you love- thank God for them, pray for them, consider what a blessing they are to you.
- Recall your testimony. Remember how God has saved you. Praise Him for answered prayers and times when He has especially apparently worked in your life.
- Look up one of the names or character traits of God and consider the glory, matchless implications of God being who God is.
What else would you add? Any tips for re-orienting your mind to think on what you already have in Christ?
{A version of this post was previously published here}
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Our church had a time for testimonies of Thanksgiving. We’re so blessed–He has given and done so much. I like all these ideas for focusing on God’s good gifts. A few years ago someone encouraged making a list of “Ebenezers” –the “stone of help” Samuel erected in 1 Samuel 7 to remind Israel of how God helped them. The idea was to remind ourselves of those times in our lives when God particularly helped us or manifested Himself in some way. The kinds of experiences that become family stories that are passed down. It’s an incredible blessing and boost to faith and praise to write those and then go back over them sometimes.
Another help to focus on God’s goodness is Christian music.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving, Barbara! Those are great ideas. We have a “But God” notebook where we write those ebenezer stories, and like you said, what a boost to faith and praise to reread them! And Christian music, absolutely. Thanks for sharing!
I love this! So many times we want more-but if Christ never did anything more for me what he has already given me is more than enough!
Amen! Happy thanksgiving!
Great thoughts, Bethany. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks, happy thanksgiving to you and yours!