Life Plan Devotion #39 [Epiphany]

Hi, Everyone.
Today's devotion relates a personal story, so it's a bit longer than normal. I hope it will speak to you, though. As always, I love to hear from you.

Life Plan Devotion #39 [Epiphany]

     In my quiet time some time ago, Deuteronomy chapter 28 was the next chapter to read in my Read Through the Bible schedule. Little did I know that I was in for an epiphany (a dramatic realization).
     Deuteronomy chapter 28 is a long chapter, 68 verses to be exact. You know how it is sometimes; you read and read and read. Your mind begins to wanter. You lose the writer's train of thought, and then you read something and KAPOW! You're hit smack over the head with God's Word. You sit up straight, catch your breath, then let it out slowly and say, "Oh, my!" or "Wow! That's me!"
     That is exactly what happened to me, when I read Deuteronomy 28:65-67. There was a perfect description of me...well, of the me I used to be, before God delivered me. Now, I know that Moses was talking to and about the children of Israel, but all of Scripture can be used in a personal way. These are the verses that describe the "pre-deliverance me":  "Among those nations you will find no repose, no resting place for the sole of your foot. There the LORD will give you an anxious mind, eyes weary with longing, and a despairing heart. You will live in constant suspense, filled with dread both night and day, never sure of your life. In the morning you will say, 'If only it were evening!' and in the evening, 'If only it were morning!'-because of the terror that will fill your hearts and the sights that your eyes will see."
     That was me, without exaggeration! I suffered for years from anxiety, depression, panic attacks, insomnia, restlessness, heart problems with no physical cause, various body aches and pains, etc., and I was never satisfied. Yes, I was a Christian, but my life was lackluster, without daily victory.
     After reading those verses and realizing that they described the old me, I recognized that the verses were the "effect"/result in some "cause and effect." So I started backtracking through the chapter, looking for the cause. It must be something terrible, I surmised...some major sin, perhaps.
     I found it in a verse that begins with the cause and effect conjunction "because." Verse 47 says, "Because you did not serve the LORD your God joyfully and gladly in the time of prosperity" and that comes down to one word--ingratitude. 
     Have you ever considered what a daily diet of ingratitude, not being grateful or expressing gratitude, can do to you over time? Now you know. Trust me, it's not where you want to go.
     I challenge you to pay attention to your daily life and everyone in it. See all for which and for whom you should be grateful. Thank God, and thank those people in your life. You will be healthier and happier, if you do.

I Thessalonians 5:18
"Give thanks in all cir****tances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

What this has to do with weight loss:  It is so tempting to grumble about many things on the weight-loss journey, like dealing with a stall or having to eat in a certain way, but a daily diet of ingratitude does not serve well your mind, body, and heart. No matter what's going on, be thankful, and see how your body reacts.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, all too often I forget to thank You in all cir****tances. That does not serve me well, and ingratitude is not in Your will for me. Help me to open up my heart and mind to gratitude. I desire a thankful spirit. May I be the child who comes to You often, just to say, 'Thank You, Father.' I pray, in Jesus' Name. Amen."

Go forth today, giving thanks in all cir****tances.

Blessings,
Mary

Thank you so much for posting...I too once suffered from anxiety and depression and am so thankful to my Lord for all he has done in my life and the lives of my family!  I'm excited to have the support of believing sisters and brothers on this journey!  God bless you...

Hi.
I noticed we had surgery the same day, only I had the VSG. :)  I'm so glad you found the Christianity Forum. Be sure to bookmark it, so you don't lose us. :)
What a wonderful testimony you have! I'm looking forward to getting to know you better. It's so nice to see a new face here, too. Post often, if you can/want to, as we need you. :)
Blessings,
Mary

And you both had your surgeries on my birthday so you are indeed very special!!Two people I'm really trying to make sure I thank are God of course because He just blesses me so everyday and DH because he is just the sweetest guy ever. He is one of God's biggest blessings to me. I think one reason we tend to forget to thank all those around us is it's so easy to just get caught up in ourselves and our busy lives, we all need to slow down and breath. Wonderful devotion as usual, keep up the good work!

Thanks, Sweetie. We do tend to get caught up in ourselves and our busy lives, and, you're right, we need to slow down and just breathe. When we do that, the thankfulness is as easy and effortless as breathing. :)