Try "Thank You Therapy"

Scripture

John 6:11

Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.

The phrase “Thank You Therapy,” is not original with me. But when I heard it, I thought, “This is a wonderful way to suggest that gratitude is the key to overcoming many issues and obstacles.”The setting is Jesus feeding 5000 men, probably 25,000, including women and children, with only five loaves of bread and two fish. It was a miracle. Before Jesus had the disciples serve the multitudes, He prayed and gave thanks before He passed out the loaves, and he did the same thing with the fish. Jesus recognized the source of miracles came from God the Father. He took the time to thank God in advance for the miracle that was about to happen. His thanking the Father demonstrated Jesus’ faith that He would perform a miracle and the belief that although the problem was bigger than man, it was not bigger than God. Our thankful spirit as men demonstrates our focus as being up to God, not around at our circumstances.Once the crowds had eaten all they could, there were leftovers—12 baskets full. Jesus goes above and beyond, over-flowing our lives with peace, joy, and provision. A real man takes time to thank God, even before God answers our prayers.Facts about “Thank You Therapy”

1. Thankfulness to God recognizes you believe He is the Source of blessing and provision.
2. Thankfulness announces that the problem, the issue, is bigger than you but it is not bigger than God.
3. Thankfulness announces your expectation of victory before the victory comes.
4. Thankfulness demonstrates that you are not taking God’s blessings and provision for granted.
5. Thankfulness lifts your spirit and attitude and brings joy and expectation to your life that God is at work and you recognize it.

Thanking God in your trials turns burdens into blessings. – Preceptaustin.orgWe can’t always give thanks FOR everything, but we can always give thanks in everything. – Ruth Bell GrahamScottish minister Alexander Whyte was known for his uplifting prayers in the pulpit. He always found something for which to be grateful. One Sunday morning the weather was so cold, miserable, and gloomy that one church member thought to himself, “Certainly the preacher can’t think of anything for which to thank the Lord on a wretched day like this.” Much to his surprise, however, Whyte began praying, “We thank Thee, O God, that it is not always like this!”Thank God that tough times are only for a season!As a Wingman, I want you to think about one person in your life for whom you are thankful. Communicate with that person your specific thankfulness for him and how God has used him in your life. “Thank You Therapy” will bring you great peace and joy. Try it!