Good morning grateful ones!

It’s so easy to become overly concerned about our negative situations.  However, we are responsible for our emotions and our perceptions, because the fruit of self-control is within us (see Galatians 5:23).  Therefore, we don’t have to allow ourselves to be troubled by what we see.  As a matter of fact, Jesus said, “See to it that you be not troubled!”(see Matthew 24:6).  So, instead, we should choose to HAVE AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE by faith.  When we give God thanks, we choose to focus on the good things that God has done for us.  

Jesus tells us in John 14:1, 27 that we can take authority over our emotions.  Negative emotions are designed to move us into a negative direction in life.  If we allow ourselves to be agitated, we allow ourselves to yield to fear.  Then, fear give Satan access in our lives.  Therefore, it’s so important that we become skilled in overcoming emotional disturbances.  If we don’t, our emotions can move us out of the will of God for our lives. 

When we’re agitated, we are robbed of our peace and our peace is our security in the midst of turmoil.   Be encouraged because we can gain victory over agitation by responding the right way.  When negative emotions arise, we must state what the Word of God says to combat them, just like Jesus would.  He always said, “IT IS WRITTEN” and quoted the Scriptures.  Statements of belief help us overcome agitation and fear.  For example, we can confess that we have peace and look up scriptures to confess when we’re afraid or upset.  

Thanksgiving is a powerful tool we can use against the enemy when we feel upset, fearful worried or depressed.  We can actually rise above these things by giving thanks, because it’s the will of God that we are thankful (see 1 Thessalonians 5:18). 

In these last days, things are going to happen to cause us to be agitated and fearful.  However, we must maintain our peace and free ourselves from fear through praise, worship and meditating on the Word of God.

2 Peter 3:14 says,

• So, beloved, since you are expecting these things, be eager to be found by Him [at His coming] without spot or blemish and at peace [in serene confidence, free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts].

Having AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE,

Lisa Gordon

Assistant Pastor

Jesus City Church