Change Manifests through Thankfulness

Whenever we desire something more than what we have, I have noticed this prevailing dualistic truth to be evident. Change is brewing and God's plan and the enemy's plan seem more pronouced and diametrically opposed than ever. These crossroads of life can make you feel confined, and if you choose to stay there, you will feel claustrophobic in the Spirit, as if in an airless place, because God's wind of the Spirit is blowing down another path.

During these strategic junctures in the Spirit, Adam and I will experience a tangible welling sensation of frustration and dissatisfaction. I begin to list out my grievances, ad nauseum, in a cacaphony of complaints. Adam starts to feel disheartened, as if his dreams, hopes and desires are just beyond is reach. Inevitably, when we both feel like this, we end up hurting each other's feelings in one way or another.

Then, like an insurance adjuster surveying the damage, we are faced with the deleterious effects on our faith and unity. God showed me the moment we identify the feeling of frustration originating in our hearts, we are presented with a critical decision that can easily be overlooked if we are not on guard. If we choose to voice the enemy's plan of anger and hopelessness, we are the ones that have created that negative reality with our own breath. On the other hand, if we channel that frustration through united prayer and intercession, we can birth forth a positive change.

God quickened our hearts that we must first express thanksgiving to Him for what He has already provided for us before He can give us more. Philippians 4:6 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." This verse gives us insight into receiving the petitions of our heart. Anything we ask, we must present to God with thanksgiving.

This is an important truth because when we are thankful it accentuates the true nature of God, strong in power and might. Psalm 95:2 says, "Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms." In order for God's presence to manifest, we must come to Him with thanksgiving. When we are complaining and frustrated that God is not moving, we should not be confused. Just like oil and water, God's holiness cannot mix with our complaining and unbelief. II Corinthians 6:14 says, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what comunion has light with darkness?" Human nature wants God to respond to our complaints rather than us respond to His grace and Word. Our ways are simply not His ways.

The moment we choose to open our mouths in thanksgiving, God's presence can rush in to help us in our time of need and grant us the happiness we desire. He is more than able to do that which concerns us and wants to shower us with magnificent gifts that we know not of.

I am starting a journal of thanksgiving to both boost my faith in God's faithful provision, and to give His most excellent Name praise. I think it will be encouraging to read the entries at the end of each month to see God's hand over our lives.

I Chronicles 16:8-12, " 8 Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! 9 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works! 10 Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD! 11 Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore! 12 Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,"

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