Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.... (Philippians 4:6, NKJV) (Italics and bolding are mine--Anne)
Did you ever think that maybe saying "Thank You" to God before you get a thing might be the ultimate expression of faith?
Usually we say say thanks after we receive whatever it is we asked for. We go into a store, buy milk or whatever, and say thanks after the clerk hands us what we purchase, right? That's what we do. Why in the world would we say thanks before we get the milk?
Yet Paul advises the Philippians to do exactly that. Make our request to God, and then say thank You before we see the results.
It's a step of faith. It's trusting God that the answer He provides is the right answer. It's knowing Him and knowing He knows what will do the most good in the long run--sometimes even as impossible as it seems.
The point of this bunch of rambling is: "Always give thanks." Always. Never ask for anything without saying thanks. Remember it again when you receive. Give thanks especially when God gives you little surprise gifts...my favorites are always beautiful scenes (rainbows, sunsets, seascapes), flowers, babies. That type of thing always makes my heart glow with gratitude.
Practice giving thanks over the little things, and more big things will come into view.
Father--thank You. Thank You for being here whenever I need You (and even when I think I don't). Thank You for showing me beauty all around me. Thank You for small miracles. Thank You for breath in my lungs, eyes to see Your creation, ears to hear the birdsongs. I remember that You are the author of all things good. Amen
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