The Lies Anxiety Tells (Day 5)
WHEN THANKSGIVING CHANGES EVERYTHING
Thanksgiving isn't a feeling you muster up. Thanksgiving is activated when you recognize what God has already provided.
Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Devotional Thought
Paul tells us not to be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let our requests be made known to God. But notice something incredible here. He doesn't just say "make your requests known." He adds something: "with thanksgiving."
Now, Paul isn't telling us to be grateful and anxious at the same time. That's not how this works. Thanksgiving isn't a feeling you're supposed to muster up while you're worried. That would be exhausting and fake.
No, thanksgiving is activated when you recognize what God has already provided.
Think about it this way. In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul is writing to people who are holding back their resources because they're anxious about their own needs. We've all been there, right?
And Paul tells them something remarkable. When you give to those in need, it doesn't just supply their lack. It overflows in many thanksgivings to God.
Watch how this works. You give thanks while asking God for something. God provides. You give generously from that provision. Others give thanks to God for what you gave them. Their thanksgiving reinforces your confidence to keep asking with thanksgiving. You just participated in God's system of supply.
Here's the truth: you cannot see God's faithfulness clearly while you're clutching everything you have. But the moment you open your hand to give, you're forced to acknowledge something. You had something to give. And that recognition? That's thanksgiving.
Can I just say this? You cannot hoard provision and trust the Provider at the same time. It doesn't work.
So anxiety has been lying to you all week. It told you birds are more blessed. It told you lilies are more loved. It told you provision is your problem. But today, you tell anxiety the truth.
Your purpose is secured. Your provision is promised. Your Provider is faithful.
Now, Paul isn't telling us to be grateful and anxious at the same time. That's not how this works. Thanksgiving isn't a feeling you're supposed to muster up while you're worried. That would be exhausting and fake.
No, thanksgiving is activated when you recognize what God has already provided.
Think about it this way. In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul is writing to people who are holding back their resources because they're anxious about their own needs. We've all been there, right?
And Paul tells them something remarkable. When you give to those in need, it doesn't just supply their lack. It overflows in many thanksgivings to God.
Watch how this works. You give thanks while asking God for something. God provides. You give generously from that provision. Others give thanks to God for what you gave them. Their thanksgiving reinforces your confidence to keep asking with thanksgiving. You just participated in God's system of supply.
Here's the truth: you cannot see God's faithfulness clearly while you're clutching everything you have. But the moment you open your hand to give, you're forced to acknowledge something. You had something to give. And that recognition? That's thanksgiving.
Can I just say this? You cannot hoard provision and trust the Provider at the same time. It doesn't work.
So anxiety has been lying to you all week. It told you birds are more blessed. It told you lilies are more loved. It told you provision is your problem. But today, you tell anxiety the truth.
Your purpose is secured. Your provision is promised. Your Provider is faithful.
Application Questions
- What has God already provided that you've failed to recognize because you're so focused on what you think you need?
- How might giving generously from what you have change your perspective on God's faithfulness?
Today's Challenge
Give something away today. Not just money, but time, attention, resources, or help. As you give, pay attention to the thanksgiving it creates, both in you and in others. Let that thanksgiving remind you that God is faithful and you can trust Him.
Today's Prayer
God, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for providing for me in ways I haven't even recognized because I've been so focused on what I think I need. Forgive me for clutching what You've given me instead of trusting You enough to give it away. Help me see that thanksgiving is activated when I recognize Your provision. Teach me to open my hands, trust Your faithfulness, and tell anxiety the truth. My purpose is secured. My provision is promised. My Provider is faithful. In Jesus' name, amen.
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