By Ryan Parks
With the busyness of careers, schedules, raising a family and whatever else your life consists of, it is easy to forget the things we are grateful for. And because this was on my heart, I wanted to share a prayer about it. For those reading this, I pray this prayer expresses your heart’s cry and it helps you find more encouragement. Here goes:
“Thank you, Lord for the little blessings,—the things we sometimes overlook or don’t think are a big deal. Thank you for reminding us that ALL things are a big deal in Your eyes and that You love us so much that You don’t overlook what we go through or experience in life. EVERYTHING matters to You! Our lives DO matter!
Life can get tough sometimes, but through Your word, You constantly remind us that Your mercy is new EVERY morning; not just some mornings, but EVERY morning; and great is Your faithfulness.
Thank You for favor in ALL areas of life. Despite the people who come and go in our lives, the one constant person is You. The amazing thing is You never leave nor forsake us, and for that I am grateful.
I am here to tell you friends, that God loves us so much and desires to spend quality time with us on a regular, consistent basis. Not just when we are ready, but ALL the time. As it says in the Word, “draw near to God and He WILL draw near to you” (James 4:8).”
Having a worshipful and grateful heart is what God desires of us. With the way the world is these days, if not careful, it’s easy to get caught up into the cares and struggles of this life, worrying about money, food, taking care of family, jobs, clothes, etc. The list can go on, and on, and on, and on. Need I say more? From personal experience, worrying about the cares of this life can lead to stress, worry, and the mentality to always try to “keep up with the Joneses.” And in the words of Ms. Sweet Brown, “Ain’t nobody got time for that.”
The older I get (not that I’m that old), the more I realize that keeping things in perspective and keeping God in the forefront of the “matters” in my life are definite ways to remain peaceful and be a woman at rest.
God is faithful to His Word, so when He says, “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33 NIV), you can rest assured that your matters will be taken care of when you seek Him first.
Be encouraged and KNOW that having a grateful heart, despite your circumstances and what you may be going through right now, are pleasing to God and a sure way of getting His full attention.
BMWK family, what are ways you have remained grateful in the midst of your circumstances?
Ryan Parks is a God-loving wife, step mother of three, entrepreneur, dreamer, inspirational writer and encourager, who is passionate about personal growth and encouraging others to NEVER give up on their dreams and goals in life. Parks also partners with her husband as an Independent Business Owner through Amway. Visit her website here. Also, find her on Twitter at @NcouragerRParks.