I heard a message that inspired me to create this template on Thankfulness. Many times we program ourselves through repetitive negative thoughts and slowly over time our personality conforms to these established patterns. This is a sneaky way the enemy comes in to seek, steal and destroy our trust in the Lord. In order to break this cycle we need to set ourselves apart from the pattern in order to reestablish our belief systems within the context of God’s word.

The Bible says in Thessalonians 5:18 “to give thanks in all circumstance; for this is His will in Messiah Yeshua.” The Lord also say’s in Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” We need to know in our heart of hearts that He is with us, He is for us and not against us even if we do not feel He is there. It is not always easy to make a decision to be Thankful in the midst of tragedy, trials, injustice, or sickness but by the power of choice and by Gods grace, He will give us the power of God to do the will of God. So making a decision to fast negativity is not easy but can be done by making a daily choice and taking action.

For the next 21 days to fast from the following 5 things:

• Complaining
• Murmuring
• Gossip
• Negative Internal talk
• Holding offensives against others

And thank God and thank others as much as possible. If you find yourself slipping, which we all do just ask God to help you have a Thankful heart and continue to give thanks for everything positive that He has provided for you.

Take some time outdoors to get outside of yourself and your circumstance and breath deeply, be thankful for the oxygen He has provided, the trees He has created, the sunset and sunrise. Anything that you see that was created by Him for you.

Look at your family (even the ones you cannot stand) and realize they were all created by Him and are connected to you. Work on seeing them as a child through His eyes and not your own. This can be very difficult especially if there is hurt or rejection involved. Search for any positive qualities about this person and be thankful.

Thank Him for the Ruach Hakodesh (the Holy Spirit) which He as given to you as a comforter. Take refuge in this covering which will allow you to release your fears, worries and anxiety. Picture yourself as a child of God enveloped in His eternal embrace just holding you and protecting you from any harm.

Express appreciation for those around you even if its for the smallest things. My daughter Brittany has a wonderful bumper sticker which says “Do Small Things With Great Love” because when you think about it nothing is really small when done in love. By doing so we stir each other to fulfill the will of God in each of our lives.

Remember faith is waiting on God to move not only for yourself, but also for others. He will move, He always does and He always will.
I attend a Messianic temple Beth Hallel in Roswell and as Rabbi Robert once said “When you feel like your at the end of your rope just tie a knot and hold on because the Lord will pull you back up” He is always on time.

Gratitude is a decision of will and it takes work. Abraham Lincoln once said “We can complain that the rose-bush has thorns or rejoice that the thorn-bush has roses.” May you be blessed during the next 21 days of thankfulness and may God deliver you from all fear and anxiety. May he shower you with His Love and Grace abundantly overflowing and provide you with his Shalom in any and all circumstance.

Yours In Health,

Melissa Bennett, ND