[Philippians 4:4-7 NIV] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
___________________ is a quick path to joy.
If we fail to choose gratitude we default to ___________________.
Gratitude is recognizing that life owes me _______________ and every good thing I have is a _______________.
[Luke 17:16-19] He fell to the ground at Jesus' feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. [17] Jesus asked, "Didn't I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? [18] Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?" [19] And Jesus said to the man, "Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you."
Thanksgiving attracts God's ___________________.
[Psalm 103:1-5] A psalm of David. Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. [2] Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. [3] He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. [4] He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. [5] He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's!
It takes ___________________ to be thankful.
[2 Corinthians 12:7-10] So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. [8] Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. [9] Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. [10] That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
We can be thankful for our ___________________ because God is working through them.
[1 Thessalonians 5:16-18] Always be joyful. [17] Never stop praying. [18] Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.