By Mitzi Neely

As I enter this season of Thanksgiving. I am savoring the gift of gratitude that God has given me. I love that I can honor Him with a happy and joy-filled heart.

God yearns for all of us to come before Him with thanksgiving and praise His Name. One of my favorite choruses says, ‘I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart. I will enter His courts with praise.’ We are to praise God at every turn and worship Him with grateful hearts.

If we want to receive His ultimate blessings then we must not lose faith, let our hearts harden, or become ensnared in our stubborn ways.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4 NIV

Every moment we spend with God softens us, grows us, and impacts us beyond what we can imagine. His provision is gracious and filled with abundant generosity.

You know the saying, ‘As long as our circumstances are good, it’s easy to be happy, content, and thankful.’ But the happiness, contentment, and joy I am talking about come from the deep and intimate relationship that we have with our Heavenly Father. It is our time spent with Him that prepares us and equips us for what comes next.

I’ll admit I don’t always like the ‘what comes next part,’ mostly because of the uncertainty. And it’s not easy to be grateful when you are right smack in the middle of a tough situation. But going through the messy stuff is part of His growing process for us. It is during the trials and difficulties that He strengthens us, sustains us, and supports us.

And, it is up to us to do our part and emerge from the storms a stronger, more grateful individual.

There will always be challenges and setbacks, but we can handle anything as long as we seek Him and trust Him. Even in the midst of changing circumstances, God’s love endures forever.

As I look back over the notes in my gratitude journal I am reminded that I am thankful to God on so many levels; His unchanging and unconditional love, His blessings, both big and small, and the grace He extends to me over and over again.

God is the gift that keeps on giving and it is my prayer that we seek to be more like Him. Everything we have and everything we are is a gift from Him and He deserves our praise in every situation. Let’s never forget that.

As we celebrate this time of Thanksgiving, I encourage you to read and study the Scriptures and ask God to reveal all that He has for you. Take time to:

• Write your prayers and praises in your own gratitude journal

• Share how you are growing in gratitude and thankfulness

• Memorize a couple of key verses that resonate with you; verses that you keep going back to.

I am so blessed to walk this journey with you and I pray your hearts overflow with gratitude.

Prayer

Father, I come to You today to thank you for Your generosity and gift of eternal life. You are the giver of all good and perfect gifts and I praise You for my attitude of gratitude. Thank you for your unconditional love, protection, and provision. Help me to honor You with praise on my lips and love in my heart. Amen.

Mitzi Neely is a motivational speaker and writer who encourages women of all ages through her personal experiences and shortcomings. Mitzi is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She loves sweet tea and hails from the Lone Star State.

Connect with Mitzi on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, or her blog. She’d love to hear from you!