Don’t you love when art or culture teaches you a lesson about life with Jesus? I do.
Last week I shared with you that thankfulness isn’t just for Thanksgiving but that you can live with thankfulness and peace every day by thanking God for what He has done in your life and talking to Him about what worries you. That post has some practical suggestions about how to do that. (Read How To Live With Thankfulness and Peace)
Full disclosure: I spend a decent amount of time on YouTube every week. It’s one of the ways I keep up with my favorite bands, entertainment news sources and ministries I follow. (And how I find funny videos of babies and pets, because who doesn’t love those? Right?)
During one of my daily check-ups of my channel subscriptions, I came across a video and it illustrated an idea for how to practically live with thankfulness. In this video by iHeart Radio, artist and songwriter Alicia Keys shares what she’s learned about how to be thankful. And it’s a great way for us to apply Philippians 4:6-7.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Check out the video below:
YouTube video: Alicia Keys’ Inspiring Words On How To Be Thankful via iHeart Radio, Nov. 24, 2016
Remember, as you’re “bringing the list” of needs and concerns in your life to God in prayer and speaking those things to Him, also “bring a list” of the things He’s done in your life that you’re thankful for and speak those things to Him as well. God gives His sons and daughters the great privilege of being able to approach Him to bring our requests for help and our thanks.
In the video Alicia suggests listing five things that you’re thankful for.
Here are the five things I’m thankful for:
- Relationship with Jesus: I’m thankful He pursued me, saved me from my sin and that I get to know Him personally as friend.
- Friends and family: I get to share life with some of the most amazing people on the planet.
- Music: I’m grateful that God has given me a gift and passion for music. I’m thankful for the lyrics that tell stories about all aspects of this life God has allowed us to live on earth and for the instruments, arrangements and melodies that bring those words to life. I’m thankful for the artists that create them. I’m thankful that I get to contribute my piece to the story as well. I’m thankful for the way music helps me connect with God.
- My hometown: I’m thankful that I grew up in New York City and all the culture it exposed me to. I’m thankful that I can always go back and experience the city no matter where I live.
- Simple things: I’m thankful for the simple things in life (like a good cup of tea and watching my favorite TV shows) that bring moments of joy, fun and relaxation to my life and remind that it’s okay to embrace my inner child once in a while.
Let’s Talk: What are the five things you’re thankful for? Discuss this post in the comments below.
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