Insight enough for Thankfulness

No matter what season we are going through in our life there is reason enough to show gratitude, for even in the valley God is with us. We are loved and protected even though we are not perfect; it was this way with Jacob. Though he tricked his brother and had to run away because of his brother’s great anger God loved Jacob and protected him. Jacob was over his household and this is what he told them,

(Genesis 35:3 NLT) “We are now going to Bethel, where I will build an altar to the God who answered my prayers when I was in distress. He has been with me wherever I have gone."

Thankfulness is the response of a person who has insight into their own need for a Savior full of grace and mercy and it brings us into communion with the Father when we need Him most! Living with in a state of thankfulness is not just for the times when we are in the valley but mountaintops as well. Yes, there are times when Father God will lead us through the deep forest of faith where we are tested in order to bring us to the mountain of courage. Here He shows us a humble footpath leading upward and though it is treacherous at times we sense there is purpose in it and that we are not alone; we have come too far to turn back now. In this time the faith that was gained proves to be good and necessary, this experience too we will find is necessary for where He is leading us next but before that comes rest. As we reach the end of the footpath we come the summit of peace. In the awe of it all we look around, hardly able to believe this place exists. Then we look out over the valley where we once were and see evidence of God being with us. For many times we were close to pitfalls and snares that could not have been navigated without an experienced guide. At that moment it all comes together and all the questions why seem so small and remote. Looking the other direction we see places that we have not yet gone but somehow we know standing in this place we will endure whatever comes our way. Through it all what we are gaining a rich relationship and love with the One who guides us. All of this is possible because of a thankful heart!

(Colossians 2:7 NLT) “Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”