58 comments

Nancy Leigh DeMoss

On the Other Side of Gratitude (And a Freebie!)

Posted on 11.21.12 by Nancy Leigh DeMoss | Twitter: @NancyDeMoss

The following is excerpted from Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Leave a comment below by Monday, November 26, and we’ll give two of you a Choosing Gratitude Set.

Also, today through Monday, purchase Choosing Gratitude for just $10 (regularly $18). Or, get a Choosing Gratitude Set (book, journal, and six thank-you cards) for $15 instead of $20.

I know a lot of women who suffer from a noticeable deficiency of peace. I’m one of them sometimes. I’m not talking about a peace that equates to having a day with nothing on the calendar, plopping down on the sofa with a cup of hot tea and a good book. Not that this doesn’t sound inviting, but let’s be honest—that’s a rare occasion for most of us. The peace I’m talking about doesn’t require a mountain cabin or a getaway weekend. It can happen anywhere, even in the most hectic moments and places of your life.

But only because gratitude knows where to look for it.

If we were sitting across the table from each other, you could tell me what’s stealing your peace right now without having to think hard. You may be grieving a loss that never settles far from your conscious thoughts. You may be crying yourself to sleep at night over a situation with a son or daughter that is beyond your ability to control—a failing marriage, a little one undergoing diagnostic medical tests, perhaps open rebellion against God and against your parenting decisions. Maybe you’re facing some health issues of your own, or your income just isn’t meeting your monthly expenses, or your church is in turmoil over some hot-button issue.

We know that we can and should pray about these matters. But praying is not all that we can and should do. “Do not be anxious about anything,” the apostle Paul wrote, “but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6–7).

To put it even more simply: In every situation . . . prayer + thanksgiving = peace.

When prayer teams up with gratitude, when we open our eyes wide enough to see God’s mercies even in the midst of our pain, and when we exercise faith and give Him thanks even when we can’t see those mercies, He meets us with His indescribable peace. It’s a promise.

Oh, we can try it the other way. Without thanksgiving. Author and Bible teacher Beth Moore describes the way most people live, by substituting the familiar phrases from Philippians 4:6–7 with their polar opposites:

Do not be calm about anything, but in everything, by dwelling on it constantly and feeling picked on by God, with thoughts like, “And this is the thanks I get,” present your aggravations to everyone you know but Him. And the acid in your stomach, which transcends all milk products, will cause you an ulcer, and the doctor bills will cause you a heart attack, and you will lose your mind.

Prayer is vital—but to really experience His peace, we must come to Him with gratitude. Hard gratitude. Costly gratitude. The kind that trusts He is working for our good even in unpleasant circumstances . . . the kind that garrisons our troubled hearts and minds with His unexplainable peace.

Are you facing one or more chaotic, unsettled situations? Is your soul weary from striving, stress, and strain? There is peace, my friend—God’s peace—waiting for you just beyond the doors of deliberate gratitude. But the only way to find it is to go there and see for yourself. God’s peace is one of the many blessings that live on the other side of gratitude.

Comments

  1. Thank you for this, Nancy! I am in a season of having to work from home, and I often look at my job with disdain instead of gratitude and a task ordained for me by the Lord. Thankful for this reminder.
    posted by Lauren G.
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 8:56 am
  2. Thank you!
    posted by Meagan V
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 9:14 am
  3. Here's what I wrote in my journal just this week:
    Rejoice: in the joy of God's salvation always
    Pray: without ceasing for God's power
    Give thanks: for the relationship I'm gaining with God because of my circumstances

    When we can get past our emotions and to God's truth, we CAN do these things!
    posted by Cami
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 9:21 am
  4. in our world of excess, it is difficult to have a mindset of gratitude. it's easy to see what we don't have than what we do. and even if we do, it's just as challenging to get our kids to appreciate their blessings when the have so much peer pressure at school.
    posted by kim s.
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 9:24 am
  5. I have been asking God for clarity on an issue in my life for a while. I believe I have a component of the answer that I haven't fully embraced. Thank you for helping me see more clearly!
    posted by tricia
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 9:35 am
  6. Thank you Nancy! Great reminder for this season and beyond.
    God Bless you!
    posted by Stephane Stegeman
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 9:36 am
  7. Good morning, Nancy! May you and the ROH/TW family have a blessed Thanksgiving!

    In our ladies' bible study, we are working through Cynthia Heald's book, "Becoming a Woman of Simplicity." I've had the privilege of facilitating a few of those classes. Next week, Lord willing, I'll be facilitating one of Cynthia's chapters entitled "Perfect Peace", and your article is a great resource, as we will be looking at Phil. 4:6-7.

    A profound equation--"In every situation...prayer plus thanksgiving = peace." Thanksgiving, many times, is the missing ingredient, isn't it? When we are desperate, the prayers just "flow out." But the thanksgiving part? Well, sometimes words of thanksgiving get "stuck" in our throats. It really does go back to knowing who God is, and trusting that Sovereign Hands hold all my days, and that He is good and loving, and everything that He allows is for my good and for His glory, and that is why I can thank Him....and is so doing, experience His perfect peace.

    Abundant blessings,
    Arlene
    Ps. 63:7,8
    posted by Arlene
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 9:37 am
  8. This equation is a must have in my daily life. Thank you for reading my mind & being in tune with my heart as God leads. I am thankful for your ear to the Lord as you share these daily devotionals with the rest of us! Kimberly
    posted by Kimberly Duvall
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 9:54 am
  9. Thank you again, dearest Nancy, and ROH/TW! I enjoyed the whole article, and found Beth Moore's quote quite interesting and convicting. Thank you. I also appreciated the comments on the blog. Arlene, your words are beautiful, dear friend! What a blessing that the Lord is using you to help facilitate those classes. May He anoint you and use you for His glory with those women!
    In His love to all,
    Leslie S.
    Ps. 91
    posted by Leslie S.
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 9:57 am
  10. Awesome stuff!! I emailed it to my wife because I know she will enjoy it!! Thanks!!
    posted by Keith Whitaker
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 10:06 am
  11. Thank you. Happy Thanksgiving Nancy.
    www.jodylynne.com
    posted by Jody
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 10:10 am
  12. Thanks for this!
    posted by Leah
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 10:14 am
  13. This book was a life-changer for me! I have lived for the Lord for so long, but there was a certain hole that never seemed to be filled...a sense of urgency about everything instead of peace and joy that scripture said should be evident in my life...
    Gratitude was the key that unlocked the door to peace, joy, and contentment with God, life, and myself that I never knew was possible. Realizing that I was putting demands on myself and God instead of thanking Him for being God lead me to repent of the sin of ungratefulness.
    I have given away copies of this book to those I know struggle in this area, which is anyone like me who would rather complain about life than praise God for His blessings!
    posted by Candra S.
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 10:17 am
  14. wow. that hit home today. thanks!
    posted by Joanna Harshbarger
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 10:25 am
  15. Thanks for this - I work for a Church and so often am running round getting massively stressed out by things that should be a great privilege. So looking forward to reading this book
    posted by Hannah
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 10:33 am
  16. I love the Beth Moore "polar opposite" of Phil. 4:6-7. It rings to true to me and is like water thrown in my face to see all those wrong thoughts written out. In our various world with our various stresses we only have one remedy...choosing gratitude.
    www.kneesdownchinup.com
    posted by Susan McCurdy
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 10:49 am
  17. Just 8 years ago I was going through alot of transitions in my life. One being the death of my Dad. Not long after, I was stenciling the following scripture on a wall when I received a phone call.
    1Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks.
    My husband had an accident that could have very easily taken his life but he survived.
    Since then, that scripture has carried us through many storms and no doubt there will be many more.
    Thankfulness is key to survival in our walk with God.

    Love your ministry. God bless you!
    posted by ~Lynn
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 11:07 am
  18. I am so thankful for this reminder in my own life! The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy (John 10:10a), and it is true that he so often tries to steal my joy and my peace. When I focus on the Lord and the life that He has come to give me (John 10:10b), my perspective is changed.

    Thank you for this reminder that when I am beginning to allow the Enemy to steal my peace away, that I must turn to the Lord in prayer and thanksgiving and receive His peace (which passes understanding!).
    www.agirlsjourneywithGod.blogspot.com
    posted by Molly Sipling
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 11:19 am
  19. Thank you so much for this! I need to be constantly reminded of this truth. I often get caught up in what I need to get done, instead of what I should be thankful for. But, when I truly am thankful, I do have joy and peace.
    posted by Rebecca
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 11:30 am
  20. Some days, choosing gratitude is all I can do. It can be really difficult sometimes and complaining seems easier; but, without choosing to be grateful (because I AM so much better off than some people), I'm in danger of going down a very slippery road of self. I don't trust myself. I'm grateful that I really don't have to! :)
    posted by Christel
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 12:30 pm
  21. Happy Thanksgiving, Nancy. What a beautiful post and blessed comments. I pray; I praise God; I am thankful for so many things. I know His word. I don't hear His voice. I ask for His forgiveness. It makes me wonder if satan is on my case and if I am living by fear instead of faith and that is why God is not answering me. So, I have no peace. I don't want to live like this. I would be grateful for prayers.

    I love this ministry and others like it. I'm seeking God and know His way to salvation so I'm not comprehending why I'm missing His peace that passes all understanding. Trust and faith HAS always been hard for me but I know that doesn't please God.

    Sweet Blessings in the Lord.
    posted by Donna
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 12:42 pm
  22. I'd love to win!
    posted by Katherine
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 12:51 pm
  23. Happy Thanksgiving!
    posted by Kellie
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 2:07 pm
  24. Love and blessings to you all, Nancy. I give thanks for you and your ministry. So often you (or one of your ministry teams) are right where i need you to be when i need a friend or a simple word of encouragement. Our family has much for which to be thankful -- my precious husband, a young husband/father's life spared by God's grace through life-saving heart surgery, my dear mama still living-- so much in addition to our Saviour. And i don't want to forget.....amenability! What a blessing that word is -- thank you for the smiles it brings! You are precious and dear -- a great mentor for me from afar. Someday i shall meet you, i have no doubt! Happy Thanksgiving with deep Gratitude....



    (Don't put me in the "drawing" for the set, please. Share it with someone who needs it specially -- i have your Gratitude book from a while back and am content with it. :-)
    posted by ann
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 3:37 pm
  25. I saw this at THE very second I needed it today! I was ready for a meltdown and struggling to remind myself to be grateful!!! Thank you thank you thank you for listening to our Lord and sharing His Word so beautifully
    posted by Lisa Buchanan
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 3:41 pm
  26. Great post for where I'm at in life! I'm still in the middle of getting adjusted to being married, keeping my own home, cooking all the meals, etc. and I feel very overwhelmed and inadequate sometimes! Only yesterday, I was feeling so fearful and anxious about some things, but then God showed himself to me in an amazing way that I won't quickly forget. I really do need to practice praying about everything and thanking Him for everything He has given us and then wait for His peace to flood my soul. Thanks for the reminder of what I should be putting my focus on every day!
    posted by Beth Anne
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 4:05 pm
  27. thank you for the uplifting advice.. I have a lot on my place these days, I have to grieve, I it would be nice to win this book, I just love book, and I really cant afford books, so I pray I win, but I hope I win, thank you for a chance have a good day and GOD BLESS!
    posted by Amber Chapais
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 6:51 pm
  28. Thank you. I'm a mom to 2 young ones (and homeschooling). There is much to get frustrated about in our home and I need to be grateful and choose joy for me, for my kids, and for my witness. Would love this book set!
    posted by Gretchen
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 6:51 pm
  29. This is a timely reminder!!!
    posted by Kim Tabladillo
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 6:55 pm
  30. Thank you for this word!
    posted by Danielle
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 6:58 pm
  31. Thank you.... hmmm...peace stealers would be work, co-workers, commute to/from work........I sense a theme!
    posted by Kristin
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 8:34 pm
  32. This goes along with all the Psalms that the Lord had me in this week, Psalm 100, 105 and 145. In His kindness He reminded me of the connection between my focus and my peace. When my focus is on my Father who has worked wonders, my heart is at peace.
    thanks for this great article!
    posted by stephanie
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 9:13 pm
  33. I really appreciate all the challenges and reminders to be intentional to cultivate gratitude in my life regardless of the season... I need this....thanks, annie
    posted by annie
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 9:42 pm
  34. So true! Choosing Gratitude!
    posted by Lori
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 9:56 pm
  35. We are doing this study in our ladies' Bible study. It is such a blessing and a great reminder to practice gratitude.
    posted by RuthC
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 10:13 pm
  36. Thanks for sharing. just this week I ve come to realize I really need to have more of a gratitude attitude! Id really like the book ;)
    posted by Norma
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 10:20 pm
  37. This so fits where I am right now; however, I've been trying to focus on prayer and gratitude, so I'm glad to know I'm on the right track!
    posted by CarrieC
    on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 10:47 pm
  38. Thank you so much. This is something I've been needing to hear.

    I'm realizing that I need gratitude all the time.
    Your post has really made it real. I hope I can read the book soon. :)
    posted by Andrea
    on Thursday, November 22, 2012 at 12:08 am
  39. Thank you for reminding me that gratitude brings God's peace - it's is the only way to make it in the world of "today".
    posted by Krista
    on Thursday, November 22, 2012 at 1:47 am
  40. Dear Nancy,

    Thank you very much for your article. It "arrived" at a time I feel very down and stressed, appreciate your encouragement!

    kaili
    posted by kaili
    on Thursday, November 22, 2012 at 8:26 am
  41. Nancy,

    I have been blessed by your ministry from its conception. The equation for peace is so simple, yet so profound. The concept of praying with thanksgiving is straight from the Scriptures, yet I often neglect to remember that!

    Thank you for obeying God's call on your life through your ministry!
    posted by Dawn
    on Thursday, November 22, 2012 at 9:10 am
  42. This book made such an impact in my personally that I purchased seven copies for all of my children! I would love more to give to friends. So thankful for the life changing truths I learned.God bless you!
    posted by kathy
    on Thursday, November 22, 2012 at 9:53 am
  43. Thank you for this...so needed in my life right now. Beth's quote was written for me. The equation for peace is priceless.
    posted by Becky
    on Thursday, November 22, 2012 at 11:37 am
  44. I loved reading this! I've never been taught that gratitude went with prayer, only that it was expressed to others! What a wonderful help this will be to some many ladies!
    posted by Ashley Munguia
    on Thursday, November 22, 2012 at 12:51 pm
  45. So much to be thankful for! How could I not "Choose Gratitude"?
    posted by Vicki Bennett
    on Thursday, November 22, 2012 at 6:37 pm
  46. Thank you!! Many Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving!
    posted by SherryAnn Simon
    on Thursday, November 22, 2012 at 7:49 pm
  47. One of my favourite verses....Do not be anxious about anything....rejoice always!
    posted by Jenn W
    on Friday, November 23, 2012 at 12:20 pm
  48. Struggling to see the mercies today. Thank you.
    http://katysammons.blogspot.com/
    posted by Katy
    on Friday, November 23, 2012 at 12:20 pm
  49. I haven't been thankful for my hubby and kids lately. I say I'm grateful God gave them to me, but my actions show a different attitude. Thank you for this resource.
    posted by Jennifer Omusinde
    on Friday, November 23, 2012 at 3:41 pm
  50. Hi Nancy. Thanks for your marriage ministry. I listen regularly & my Ladies Bible Study is going through Devine Design!

    It's a daily goal for me to choose gratitude! I don't always succeed, but thanks for challenging me once again!
    posted by Jen
    on Friday, November 23, 2012 at 5:00 pm
  51. Thank you so much for this book. I have read through it again this month and am working on the 31-day challenge. Today was a challenge in the midst of a stressful situation. I lost my wallet yesterday though I had not been out shopping--only to the fitness center. I did commit it to the Lord even with thanksgiving for good to come out of it. I retraced my steps for the last 3 days to no avail and called several places including the fitness center but it had not been turned in. Then later in the day the fitness center called me back to say they had it and everything was intact! I had read Ephesians 3:20 this morning and asked the Lord to do what seemed impossible and He surely did. I had not even called to cancel my debit and credit card!
    11/24/12
    posted by Donna M Rasmussen
    on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 5:35 pm
  52. Thank you for the reminder to be grateful regardless of my circumstances. Thank you, Lord, you are so much greater than my problems.
    posted by bev
    on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 7:23 pm
  53. I have truly experienced this true peace in the midst of the worst trial of my life ... losing my husband at the age of 44 to cancer. As a family, we were able to experience indescribable peace that only comes from God. It truly made the unbearable bearable both while he was alive and after.

    Reading this posting today, however, I realize how easy it is to drift away from the formula of prayer + thanksgiving = peace when not in a BIG trial. I long for that peace again in my every day "normal" (if that really exists:)) - and thank you for the reminder!
    posted by Lisa Barnhart
    on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 7:55 pm
  54. I really liked the opposite version of Phil 4:6-7 only because it really opened my eyes to what I actually have been doing. It made it easier to see how ridiculous all the worrying and anxiety can be. It only serves to make us miserable and take away our peace anyway. Might as well drop it at the feet of Jesus :).
    posted by Dani
    on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 10:03 pm
  55. I lost my husband in 2005, found out I have stage 4 cancer in 2011. I have learned to pray and praise him in the midst of the valley because there is a mountain top experience along the way. My two children are grown and doing well and I even have a granddaughter 1 year old and she is I must say...beautiful. I look at what I do have and not what I have lost, I am thankful for the good days I have and concentrate on them and seek God in the bad times. He makes good times out number the bad!!
    posted by Angie
    on Monday, November 26, 2012 at 1:35 am
  56. Thank you all for your comments! Congrats to Danielle
    and Krista--you just won a Choosing Gratitude Set. Check your inbox for details.
    posted by Paula Hendricks
    on Monday, November 26, 2012 at 12:27 pm
  57. What a great reminder as we start this busy season.
    posted by Jennifer
    on Monday, November 26, 2012 at 12:27 pm
  58. Donna,

    I’m sorry you are struggling so, Donna! What you are experiencing could be called a “desert experience”. I encourage you to take the time to listen through a couple of Nancy’s series on Revive Our Hearts:

    • Walking Through Life’s Deserts: http://tinyurl.com/7scuerw
    • Moving from Fear to Faith: http://tinyurl.com/cgq58h9

    The “dry times” of our lives can be trying and very lonely, but as we continue to stand on God’s truths in spite of what our emotions and feelings are telling us, our faith will grow and we will be stronger in our walk with the Lord.

    Don’t give up, Donna! Stay in the Word and walking in obedience to the Lord. He will see you through this season of your life and bring you safely to the other side. It has been my honor to pray for you and ask God to replace your fears with His peace.

    Serving Him,
    Lorree
    posted by Lorree, with the TW Team
    on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 6:38 pm

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