Revelation_11
Revelation 11: 16-1716 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying:“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.ObservationRevelation continues to speak of the vision of the end times – of death through attacks and destruction through earthquakes. [Sounds a bit familiar doesn’t it?]What struck me is, in all of this, the posture of the elders – they “fell on their faces and worshiped God,” giving thanks.Understanding
In my own life, I’ve recently been less thankful and more regretful, shameful, doubtful, etc. But I recognized that all these things are self-centered, selfish and take my eyes, heart and energy away from what I’ve been created and placed here on this earth to do. And the shift from being inward focused to outward focused often is as simple as taking time to be grateful. Gratitude brings healing, wholeness, positive perspective, optimism, etc.Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. – Colossians 3:16Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. – Colossians 3:15Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. – Colossians 4:2Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe… - Hebrews 12:28…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Ephesians 5:20Life ApplicationAs Christians, we are called to a life of gratitude. I’ve gone through phases in my life where I’ve had the discipline of taking account of what I’m most grateful for each morning and/or each night. Time to get back to that. Giving myself some homework as we enter into Thanksgiving week.God, thank you for the gentle reminder to live life from a place of gratitude. Regardless of circumstance, there is ALWAYS something to be grateful for! Help me to take this to heart as I go throughout today. Open my eyes and heart to see all the blessings – big and small – and to turn them back to you for your glory and honor. With a thankful heart, I pray, Amen.- Rei