Embrace Gratitude reminds us that when we intentionally shift our focus from the storms and turmoil life brings and instead choose to focus on gratitude for that which is good, our hearts are lightened and we open ourselves up for increasing blessing.
- Habakkuk 3:17-19 (AMP) Though the fig tree does not blossom And there is no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive fails And the fields produce no food, Though the flock is cut off from the fold And there are no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will [choose to] rejoice in the Lord; I will [choose to] shout in exultation in the [victorious] God of my salvation! The Lord God is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible army]; He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feet And makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my high places [of challenge and responsibility]…
A Prophetic Nugget from “Daily Downloads from Heaven” by Meghan Williams is connected to this. It’s called “Step Forward in Gratitude.”
Psalm 126:2-3 (VOICE) Our mouths were filled with laughter; our tongues were spilling over into song. The word went out across the prairies and deserts, across the hills, over the oceans wide, from nation to nation: “The Eternal has done remarkable things for them.” We shook our heads. All of us were stunned— the Eternal has done remarkable things for us. We were beyond happy, beyond joyful.
Beloved, regardless of what comes your way, step forward in gratitude. Remember all that I have done in your life, and stay in a place of perpetual thanksgiving. Dayenu (which means it is sufficient). What I have done – and if I never do more, is enough.
Keep your eyes and heart filled with the blessings that come from Me. You are alive, for I have given you breath. You are loved, for I call you My own. For the many blessings I have given, without expectation of more even as you know more will come, give thanks to the One who has bestowed them. For I AM God alone.
Another Prophetic Nugget from “Daily Downloads from Heaven” by Meghan Williams is connected to this. It’s called “Hold Fast and Give Thanks.”
Psalm 34:1 (VOICE) I will praise the Eternal in every moment through every situation. Whenever I speak, my words will always praise Him.
Beloved, choose to stay in a place of praise at all times, not simply because I AM worthy, but also because doing so maintains your focus on what is good and perfect and true. Dayenu (it would have been sufficient). The blessings received so far are worth giving thanks for so refuse to be tempted to bitterness or anger.
Resist the urge to allow grief or frustration to overwhelm you, instead fixing your gaze on the truth that in all things I AM both good and sovereign. I bring beauty from ashes and joy from mourning. Beloved, I AM enough. Rest in Me and trust that I AM working all things for good even in the moments that doesn’t seem possible – because still it is true. Hold fast and give thanks that I AM good.
A portion of a prophetic narrative from Naudia Willbroad is connected to this.
The path felt so dry and weary. Day after day of battling old thought patterns, feelings of hopelessness, unbelief and grief over dead dreams. Pushing forward trying to dream again but failing to stir up joy, to fan the flame. Seeking the face of God and His comfort. Clinging to His truths while struggling to overcome the embedded lies.
“Oh ye of little faith!” I cry in desperation longing for a steady faith instead of the fits and starts of the tiny flame in my heart that has been so dampened by the oppression of battle, of life.
“Look back beloved,” My Father whispers in my ear. As I look back upon the path I trod I see the road with all it’s winding curves. I see the dead, dry, brown ground-the parched land. Then I see a river flowing under a setting sun-flowing down my winding path. A river that flows in wave after wave that pours down my path with fervor and passion. With it brings new life and fresh growth. Those fits and starts of faith, the intense struggle to grasp truth and never let go, to overcome the mountain of guilt, lies and shame brought the flow. It made a way for the river to go. It broke the ground for God’s spirit to bring life giving water to the dry and weary land.
“Look My beloved. Taste and see that I am good. I bring refreshing water to the dry and weary land. I bring fruitfulness out of the soil you have relentlessly toiled over. I am the One who gives you strength to complete the task. I bring truth. I bring the seed, the sun and the rain to make your garden grow.
You are My beloved. You are My beloved. You are My beloved. Earnestly I take your hand and whisper to you by name, “Run the race I have marked out for you. Keep running. Keep persevering for I am with you. I hold your hand and keep you from falling as you keep your eyes fixed on Me. I strengthen you and fill you with joy. Keep pursuing Me and all that I am and all that I have for you. You are My beloved and My desire is for you.”
A testimony called “Moving at the Speed of Grace” from Elisa Eaton of Waiting in the Wings is connected to this.
{vision} I saw a sign on a road showing that the speed limit was 55. There was a blurred line through the middle of the 55, and I knew there were words printed there.
I saw this vision just before I opened my eyes one recent morning. I sensed this was a “sign” for the spiritual speed limit for my day. Immediately, I knew the “55” represented a multiplication of grace. I also recognized the words that I couldn’t read symbolized a “word” that God had for me through this vision. This word would bring clarity to a repeated message He had been speaking in the Spirit: “Slow down.”
I have been hearing “slow down” at various times each day for months. It usually happens while I’m working or trying to juggle multiple tasks. At other times, I hear it when I’m not necessarily busy doing anything, but I may be busy thinking through many things.
When I hear “slow down,” it always triggers an irritation within me. In my walk with God, I’ve learned that if His words irritate me, it’s always because I don’t truly understand the meaning behind them. His heart is always loving towards us, even in correction. And when understanding comes, I always experience a sense of peace. Therefore, I know that irritating words are a sign that the Father desires to address an area of wounding within my heart.
I admit that to hear “slow down” at times when I was approaching a work deadline or needed to make a quick life decision only added more stress onto my plate! So why would God tell me to “slow down” when I really needed to move as fast as possible? With time, I began to see that God wasn’t trying to micromanage my day; He was addressing the attitude of my heart in the moment.
Every time He says “slow down” to me, there are hidden beliefs of shame, guilt, and fear swirling in the back of my mind. As a recovering perfectionist, I often struggle to feel like anything I do is good enough. When my self-criticism is left unchecked, it can turn into a harsh judgment about my life and the person I am. Believing these lies drive me to strive in the flesh. In a sense, I don’t feel like I am moving fast enough in life to accomplish the things that God has called me to do. This behavior always leaves me feeling miserable, unloved, and unappreciated.
The only antidote to striving is to slow down, take critical thoughts of the flesh captive, and then rest in the grace that God extends to us through Christ. We can make ourselves miserable if we’re not careful to align our thoughts with God’s thoughts. In particular, our expectations and standards must align with God’s, for His way is the way of love and righteousness.
When I choose to realign my thoughts with God, I am able to see my life through His eyes. I remember that my value isn’t in the things that I can or cannot accomplish; my intrinsic value lies in the fact that I am a child of God. This doesn’t mean that our individual calling or purpose in life is without meaning. We simply must be careful not to make an idol out of it.
If anything, God is always at my side to help me in my weakness. I don’t have to do all He has called me to in my own strength, and I don’t have to get it all perfect. I can move along the road of life at the speed of grace. When I choose to abide by the law of grace, I notice that I am supernaturally empowered through my days. I actually get more done through God’s strength than I can on my own! Even more, gratitude and joy arise from my inner being because I can truly enjoy every moment that life has to offer—even the most busy ones.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (TPT) But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.
A series of three Prophetic Nuggets from “Daily Downloads from Heaven” by Meghan Williams are connected to this. They’re based on Habakkuk 3:17-19 (AMP).
Though the fig tree does not blossom And there is no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive fails And the fields produce no food, Though the flock is cut off from the fold And there are no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will [choose to] rejoice in the Lord; I will [choose to] shout in exultation in the [victorious] God of my salvation! The Lord God is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible army]; He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feet And makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my high places [of challenge and responsibility]…
The first Prophetic Nugget is called “A Better Choice.”
Habakkuk 3:17 (AMP) Though the fig tree does not blossom And there is no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive fails And the fields produce no food, Though the flock is cut off from the fold And there are no cattle in the stalls,
Beloved, when everything seems to be falling apart, you are faced with a choice of how to respond. You can choose to complain, or embrace bitterness or resentment. You can choose to indulge in jealousy, or seek to lay blame for the misfortunes at hand. Or you can make a better choice.
When troubles come – as they always do, choose instead to stand fast in gratitude. For in gratitude is found life – even in the midst of death and destruction. And that is a powerful weapon. So even in the darkest hour, choose to find something to be grateful for. For I AM a good and kind Father, and I AM faithful to My children. So stay firmly rooted in gratitude and embrace Me.
The second Prophetic Nugget is called “Be a Person of Gratitude.”
Habakkuk 3:18 (AMP) Yet I will [choose to] rejoice in the Lord; I will [choose to] shout in exultation in the [victorious] God of my salvation!
Beloved, choose to be a person of gratitude, and be known by that choice. Set an example of a life full of thanksgiving that transcends circumstance, that others may see and know what walking with Me looks like.
Resentment and worry don’t serve you well, nor testify of My goodness and grace. So be intentional to look for My fingerprints, and be moved by My touch. For what I have done is sufficient – dayenu, it is enough. And though more is likely coming, choose to be more focused on gratitude than increase. For the contentment that comes from resting in gratitude is a blessing all its own.
The third Prophetic Nugget is called “Let Gratitude Build Your Strength.”
Habakkuk 3:19 (AMP) The Lord God is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible army]; He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feet And makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my high places [of challenge and responsibility].
Beloved, let gratitude build your strength. For as you embrace My goodness and respond in thanksgiving and praise, the stone-like concerns that weigh you down are lightened and the chain-like burdens that would hinder you are broken – and you are set free.
In the freedom of gratitude, you find strength as the power is removed from the things that would hold you back. As you focus on Me, your confidence builds. And as you rest in Me, your feet are made sure. So embrace gratitude, and fill your mouth with praise. Be emboldened as you are infused with My strength, and be made whole.
A post by Meghan Williams from MeghanW.com is connected to this. It’s called “In Gratitude is Strength (Nehemiah 8:10).”
In a recent Daily Downloads from Heaven, God surprised me by naming it “Let Gratitude Build Your Strength.” I had to pause to assess whether I believed that or not – not that I’d think gratitude was bad, but that it actually brought strength was a new concept for me. This Prophetic Nugget which is based on Habakkuk 3:17-19 (AMP) reads:
Beloved, let gratitude build your strength. For as you embrace My goodness and respond in thanksgiving and praise, the stone-like concerns that weigh you down are lightened and the chain-like burdens that would hinder you are broken – and you are set free. In the freedom of gratitude, you find strength as the power is removed from the things that would hold you back. As you focus on Me, your confidence builds. And as you rest in Me, your feet are made sure. So embrace gratitude, and fill your mouth with praise. Be emboldened as you are infused with My strength, and be made whole.
God connected this idea to Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT) which ends by saying, “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” For truly the joy of the Lord includes a heart of gratitude.
And as we consider the things that stand in opposition to gratitude like worry, bitterness, and dissatisfaction, we realize these are the negative emotions that steal our strength. They cause unnecessary burdens and turmoil.
Whereas when we are focused on gratitude, we are filled with joy and contentment, our faith is bolstered, and our countenance is lifted. These positive emotions build strength and boldness.
God connected these concepts with a principle I’ve shared before in my post Celebrate Each Breakthrough that what we focus on, we make room for. What this means is as our heart is fixed on the blessings of God and on finding things to be grateful for, we will undoubtedly find more (I.e. make room for more). Conversely, if our hearts are focused on what is wrong or not how we want it and we’re looking for things that are amiss, we will undoubtedly find more or make space for more disappointment.
So which would you choose to draw into your life? Would you choose to make room for blessing by being steadfast in gratitude and thus bolstering your strength? Or would you choose to focus on the negative and areas of perceived lack, thus sapping your own strength and finding yourself in a self defeating cycle? Be empowered as you remember the choice is yours, so choose wisely!
Another Prophetic Nugget from “Daily Downloads from Heaven” by Meghan Williams is connected to this. It’s called “Song of Joy.”
Psalm 30:4-5 (TPT) O sing and make melody, you steadfast lovers of God. Give thanks to him every time you reflect on his holiness! I’ve learned that his anger lasts for a moment, but his loving favor lasts a lifetime! We may weep through the night, but at daybreak it will turn into shouts of ecstatic joy.
Beloved, keep an attitude of gratitude in your heart and a song of joy on your lips. Pause and reflect, and you will see there is always something worth praising Me for. You are alive. You are breathing. You are loved. Dayenu – what I have done already is sufficient.
Resist the urge to focus on that which discourages and tears down – that which inspires fear and disappointment. Rather be intentional to look at the beauty I’ve placed in your life – even if it is something as simple as a lovely night sky or the kindness of a stranger. May your eyes be open and alert to My goodness, and may your heartsong always be one of joy.
Another post by Meghan Williams from MeghanW.com is connected to this. It’s called “Celebrate Each Breakthrough.”
Sometimes breakthrough happens quickly – an immediate shift or change, but other times it happens more slowly – incremental breakthroughs culminating in big long term change. Both are powerful, and simply because as humans we prefer the immediate gratification of the one, doesn’t mean we should discount the lasting impact of the other.
When an infant is learning to walk, each step becomes a breakthrough. Each part of the process is a vital progression towards a greater goal. And we remember to cheer on the children, celebrating each victory along the way, and yet we stop celebrating our own victories as we get older simply because we don’t view them as a significant enough breakthrough to acknowledge and be grateful for.
A principle I share regularly is that what you focus on, you make room for. So consider this possibility, if you are constantly focusing on your shortcomings and the areas that you haven’t made the progress (had the breakthrough) you’re looking for, are you in fact making room for more disappointments? Conversely, if you are focusing on your gratitude for each success, are you making room for more successes?
In my post Wholeness: the Key is Gratitude (Luke 17:11-19), we talk about the fact that gratitude makes room for increase. What a wonderful reminder to be intentional with our focus! So rejoice in every breakthrough, whether great or small. Give glory to the God who brings the breakthrough and give Him praise.
1 Corinthians 15:57 (TPT) But we thank God for giving us the victory as conquerors through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.
A final Prophetic Nugget from “Daily Downloads from Heaven” by Meghan Williams is connected to this. It’s called “Key to the Kingdom: A Foundation of Faith Grounded in Gratitude.”
Colossians 2:7 (VOICE) Let your roots grow down deeply in Him, and let Him build you up on a firm foundation. Be strong in the faith, just as you were taught, and always spill over with thankfulness.
Beloved, be firmly rooted in a foundation of faith overflowing with gratitude. For your faith will serve you well when the attacks of the enemy inevitably come, but the tenacity of your faith will stand fast when tested when you are rooted and grounded in Me and the joy of your salvation.
As your faith remains steadfast and your gratitude unfailing, nothing and no one can shift your gaze from Me. Gratitude protects your heart from bitterness and sorrow just a faith protects your mind from fear and unbelief. So stand fast, beloved, and let your deep roots hold as the winds of trial come – you will see that you cannot be shaken.
Ephesians 6:16 (VOICE) Don’t forget to raise the shield of faith above all else, so you will be able to extinguish flaming spears hurled at you from the wicked one.
The name of the silk hidden in this image is Dayenu (It Would Have Been Sufficient). The colors in it are brandy representing rich life coming forth from the dry places, coral representing deep abiding joy, magenta representing divine provision, cream representing milk and honey, smoky blue representing continual sweet aroma from a heart filled with gratitude and praise, and gold shimmer representing glory and the power of God.
Father, thank You that we are able – by Your grace – to turn our back on bitterness and dissatisfaction and instead embrace gratitude and joy. May we be known by our hearts of praise, and may Your hand in our lives be a testament to the One who is good and faithful.
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